And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set up an ambush behind the city." And you shall do to Ai and its kingThe directive to treat Ai and its king as Jericho was treated underscores the continuity of God's judgment against the Canaanite cities. The Hebrew root for "do" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies a complete and thorough action, reflecting God's command for total obedience. Historically, Ai was a smaller city compared to Jericho, yet its strategic importance was significant in the conquest of Canaan. This phrase emphasizes the divine mandate to eliminate idolatry and wickedness from the land, aligning with God's covenant promises to Israel. as you did to Jericho and its king
The reference to Jericho serves as a reminder of God's miraculous intervention and the victory He granted Israel. Jericho's fall was a testament to God's power and faithfulness. The phrase highlights the consistency of God's plan and the importance of following His instructions precisely. The destruction of Jericho, including its king, symbolizes the overthrow of pagan leadership and the establishment of God's rule through His chosen people. except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves
This exception marks a significant departure from the instructions given for Jericho, where all spoils were devoted to the Lord. The Hebrew word for "plunder" (שָׁלָל, shalal) indicates goods taken in war, while "livestock" (מִקְנֶה, miqneh) refers to animals that were vital for the Israelites' sustenance and economic stability. This allowance reflects God's provision for His people, rewarding their obedience and acknowledging their needs. It also serves as a practical lesson in stewardship and the proper use of resources granted by God. Set an ambush behind the city
The strategy of setting an ambush demonstrates a blend of divine guidance and human military tactics. The Hebrew word for "ambush" (אָרַב, arab) suggests a hidden or secretive approach, indicating the element of surprise. This tactic required faith and courage, as it involved trusting in God's plan and timing. The historical context reveals that such strategies were common in ancient warfare, yet the success of this ambush was assured by God's promise and presence with Israel. This phrase inspires believers to trust in God's wisdom and to be prepared for spiritual battles with both faith and strategic action. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites, appointed by God to succeed Moses and lead the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the conquest of Canaan. 2. AiA city in Canaan that the Israelites are commanded to conquer. It represents a strategic location in the conquest of the land. 3. JerichoThe first city conquered by the Israelites in Canaan, where God performed a miraculous victory. It serves as a precedent for the conquest of Ai. 4. The King of AiThe ruler of Ai, who represents the opposition to God's people and His plans. 5. The AmbushA military strategy commanded by God to ensure victory over Ai, demonstrating divine guidance in battle. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites' success at Ai depended on their obedience to God's specific instructions. This teaches us the importance of following God's guidance in our lives. Divine StrategyGod's command to set an ambush shows that He provides not only the goal but also the means to achieve it. We should seek God's wisdom in our plans and decisions. God's ProvisionUnlike Jericho, where the plunder was devoted to God, at Ai, the Israelites were allowed to keep the plunder. This demonstrates God's provision and blessing when we follow His will. Learning from Past MistakesThe initial defeat at Ai (Joshua 7) due to Achan's sin highlights the need for repentance and correction. We must learn from our failures and seek God's forgiveness and guidance. Trust in God's PromisesThe victory at Ai reinforces God's promise to give the Israelites the land. We can trust in God's promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command to set an ambush at Ai demonstrate the importance of strategic planning in our spiritual battles? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's specific instructions in our lives, as the Israelites were at Ai? 3. How does the allowance to take plunder from Ai reflect God's provision, and how can we recognize and be grateful for God's blessings in our lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from the initial defeat at Ai (Joshua 7) about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance? 5. How can the account of Ai encourage us to trust in God's promises and His faithfulness, even when facing challenges or setbacks? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 6The fall of Jericho, where God commanded the Israelites to destroy everything except Rahab and her family, and to devote the plunder to the Lord. This sets a precedent for the conquest of Ai. Deuteronomy 20Provides laws concerning warfare, including the treatment of cities and their inhabitants, which can be related to the instructions given for Ai. 1 Samuel 15The account of Saul and the Amalekites, where Saul's failure to fully obey God's command regarding plunder contrasts with the obedience required in Joshua 8. People Israelites, Joshua, LevitesPlaces Ai, Arabah, Bethel, Jericho, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Ai, Ambush, Attack, Behind, Booty, Carry, Cattle, Except, Force, Goods, Hast, Jericho, Lay, Livestock, Plunder, Prey, Rear, Secret, Spoil, Stationed, Surprise, Thereof, Town, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 8:1-2 5607 warfare, examples Joshua 8:1-3 5214 attack Joshua 8:1-22 8131 guidance, results 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 8:2 NIVJoshua 8:2 NLTJoshua 8:2 ESVJoshua 8:2 NASBJoshua 8:2 KJV
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