Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai. Joshua did not draw back the handThis phrase emphasizes Joshua's unwavering commitment and determination. In the Hebrew context, the hand often symbolizes power and action. Joshua's steadfastness reflects his obedience to God's command and his role as a leader who executes divine justice. The imagery of not drawing back suggests a relentless pursuit of God's will, a call for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and mission. that held his battle lance
The "battle lance" signifies the instrument of warfare and divine judgment. In ancient warfare, the lance was a symbol of authority and power. Joshua's holding of the lance represents his role as God's chosen instrument to carry out His judgment against Ai. This can inspire believers to understand that God equips His people with the necessary tools to fulfill His purposes, and they must wield them with faith and responsibility. until he had devoted to destruction
The phrase "devoted to destruction" comes from the Hebrew word "herem," which means to dedicate something completely to God, often through destruction. This was a common practice in ancient Israelite warfare, signifying the complete eradication of anything that could lead the people away from God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for total devotion to God, encouraging believers to remove anything from their lives that hinders their relationship with Him. all who lived in Ai
Ai was a Canaanite city, and its destruction was part of God's judgment against the Canaanites for their idolatry and wickedness. Historically, Ai's defeat was crucial for Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. This highlights God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His faithfulness to His promises. For believers, it underscores the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing, even when His ways are beyond human understanding. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites, successor to Moses, and a central figure in the conquest of Canaan. He is known for his faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. 2. AiA Canaanite city that was the site of a significant battle between the Israelites and the inhabitants of the land. The city was ultimately destroyed as part of God's judgment. 3. The Battle of AiA pivotal event in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, where Joshua led the Israelites to victory after an initial defeat due to disobedience within the camp. Teaching Points Perseverance in ObedienceJoshua's unwavering stance with his battle lance symbolizes steadfastness in following God's commands. Believers are encouraged to remain resolute in their faith and obedience, even when faced with challenges. Divine Strategy and Human ActionThe victory at Ai was a result of both divine guidance and human action. Christians are reminded that while God provides direction, they must actively participate in His plans. The Consequences of Sin and RepentanceThe initial defeat at Ai was due to sin within the Israelite camp. This teaches the importance of addressing sin and seeking repentance to restore God's favor. The Role of LeadershipJoshua's leadership exemplifies the importance of strong, faithful leaders who guide their people according to God's will. This is a call for both leaders and followers to seek God's guidance in their roles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joshua's perseverance in holding his battle lance inspire you to remain steadfast in your own spiritual battles? 2. In what ways can you actively participate in God's plans for your life, similar to how the Israelites followed divine strategy in the battle of Ai? 3. Reflect on a time when addressing sin and seeking repentance led to a positive change in your life. How does this relate to the Israelites' experience at Ai? 4. How can you apply the lessons of leadership from Joshua's example in your own context, whether in your family, workplace, or community? 5. Consider the connection between Joshua's actions and the broader biblical theme of faith-driven victory. How can you cultivate a faith that leads to overcoming obstacles in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17:11-13This passage describes Moses holding up his hands during the battle against the Amalekites, which parallels Joshua's unwavering stance with his battle lance. Both instances highlight the importance of perseverance and divine support in achieving victory. Deuteronomy 20:16-18These verses provide the command from God to devote certain cities to destruction, which contextualizes Joshua's actions in Ai as obedience to divine instruction. Hebrews 11:30This verse references the faith that led to the fall of Jericho, connecting the theme of faith-driven victory in the conquest accounts, including the battle of Ai. People Israelites, Joshua, LevitesPlaces Ai, Arabah, Bethel, Jericho, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Ai, Complete, Destroyed, Destruction, Devoted, Didn't, Draw, Drew, Held, Inhabitants, Javelin, Joshua, Outstretched, Spear, Stretched, Till, Utterly, Wherewith, WithdrawDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 8:26 5295 destruction Joshua 8:24-26 5776 achievement Joshua 8:24-29 5508 ruins Joshua 8:25-26 5545 spear Library The National Oath at Shechem
'And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good. 21. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve Him. And they said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFebruary the Seventeenth Blessings and Cursings
"He read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings." --JOSHUA viii. 30-35. We are inclined to read only what pleases us, to hug the blessings and to ignore the warnings. We bask in the light, we close our eyes to the lightning. We recount the promises, we shut our ears to the rebukes. We love the passages which speak of our Master's gentleness, we turn away from those which reveal His severity. And all this is unwise, and therefore unhealthy. We become spiritually soft and anaemic. …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Whether it is Lawful to Lay Ambushes in War?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is unlawful to lay ambushes in war. For it is written (Dt. 16:20): "Thou shalt follow justly after that which is just." But ambushes, since they are a kind of deception, seem to pertain to injustice. Therefore it is unlawful to lay ambushes even in a just war. Objection 2: Further, ambushes and deception seem to be opposed to faithfulness even as lies are. But since we are bound to keep faith with all men, it is wrong to lie to anyone, as Augustine states (Contra …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Five Kings in a Cave
TEXT: "And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."--Joshua 10:24-25. The history of the …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot Jesus in the Tomb.
It was about three o'clock in the afternoon, according to our manner of reckoning,[1] when Jesus expired. A Jewish law[2] forbade a corpse suspended on the cross to be left beyond the evening of the day of the execution. It is not probable that in the executions performed by the Romans this rule was observed; but as the next day was the Sabbath, and a Sabbath of peculiar solemnity, the Jews expressed to the Roman authorities[3] their desire that this holy day should not be profaned by such a spectacle.[4] …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Crucifixion.
Subdivision D. Jesus Found to Be Dead. His Body Buried and Guarded in the Tomb. ^A Matt. XXVII. 57-66; ^B Mark XV. 42-47; ^C Luke XXIII. 50-56; ^D John XIX. 31-42. ^d 31 The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of that sabbath was a high day ), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. [According to rabbinical writing a few hours before the Sabbath were called the Preparation; …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 8:26 NIVJoshua 8:26 NLTJoshua 8:26 ESVJoshua 8:26 NASBJoshua 8:26 KJV
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