Meanwhile, those in the ambush came out of the city against them, and the men of Ai were trapped between the Israelite forces on both sides. So Israel struck them down until no survivor or fugitive remained. Meanwhile, those in the ambush came out of the city against themThis phrase highlights the strategic military tactics employed by Joshua, as instructed by God. The ambush was a key component of the battle plan, demonstrating the importance of obedience to divine guidance. The use of ambushes in warfare was common in ancient times, and this tactic shows the Israelites' adaptability and reliance on God's wisdom rather than sheer force. This event follows the initial defeat at Ai, where Israel learned the consequences of disobedience and the necessity of following God's commands precisely. and the men of Ai were trapped between the Israelite forces on both sides
The men of Ai found themselves in a dire situation, caught between the main Israelite army and those who had been lying in ambush. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver Ai into Israel's hands. The geographical setting of Ai, likely near the modern-day site of et-Tell, provided a strategic advantage for such a maneuver. This entrapment is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God orchestrates victory for His people, such as the parting of the Red Sea where the Egyptians were trapped. So Israel struck them down until no survivor or fugitive remained
This phrase underscores the totality of the victory and the complete destruction of Ai, as commanded by God. It reflects the concept of herem, or the ban, where certain cities and peoples were devoted to destruction as an act of divine judgment. This action was not merely military but also theological, serving as a warning against idolatry and disobedience. The thoroughness of the destruction parallels other biblical accounts, such as the conquest of Jericho, and foreshadows the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the conquest of Canaan. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are executing God's judgment on the Canaanites and claiming the land promised to them. 3. AiA Canaanite city that the Israelites are attacking. This is the second attempt to conquer Ai, following a previous failure due to disobedience. 4. The AmbushA strategic military maneuver orchestrated by Joshua, where part of the Israelite army hides and waits to attack Ai from behind. 5. The Canaanites of AiThe inhabitants of Ai, who are caught in the ambush and ultimately defeated by the Israelites. Teaching Points Obedience and ConsequencesThe victory at Ai follows strict adherence to God's instructions, contrasting with the previous defeat due to disobedience. Obedience to God’s commands is crucial for success. Strategic WisdomJoshua's use of strategy in warfare demonstrates the importance of wisdom and planning in fulfilling God's purposes. We should seek God’s guidance in our plans. God's FaithfulnessThe victory at Ai is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Trust in God’s promises, even when facing setbacks. Community and UnityThe Israelites' success depended on their unity and collective action. In our spiritual battles, unity in the body of Christ is essential. Divine JusticeThe destruction of Ai reflects God's justice against sin. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and holiness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the victory at Ai demonstrate the importance of obedience to God, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives? 2. In what ways does Joshua's strategy at Ai reflect the need for wisdom and planning in our spiritual and practical endeavors? 3. How does the account of Ai encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness, even after experiencing failure or setbacks? 4. What role does community and unity play in the success of the Israelites, and how can we foster unity within our own faith communities? 5. How does the account of Ai challenge us to consider the seriousness of sin and the importance of living a life of repentance and holiness? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 7The previous chapter details the initial failure to capture Ai due to Achan's sin, highlighting the importance of obedience to God. Deuteronomy 20Provides laws concerning warfare, including the command to destroy the Canaanite cities, which is being fulfilled in this passage. Exodus 23:27-30God's promise to drive out the inhabitants of the land before Israel, which is being realized through these military victories. Romans 8:31The assurance that if God is for us, who can be against us, reflecting the divine support Israel experiences in their conquest. People Israelites, Joshua, LevitesPlaces Ai, Arabah, Bethel, Jericho, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Attacked, Caught, Cut, Encounter, Escape, Escaped, Flee, Force, Forth, Fugitives, Israelites, Issued, Leaving, Meet, Middle, Midst, None, Overcame, Remnant, Sides, Slew, Smite, Smote, Struck, Survived, Survivors, Till, Town, TrappedDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 8:22 5319 fugitives Joshua 8:1-22 8131 guidance, results Joshua 8:21-22 5214 attack 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 8:22 NIVJoshua 8:22 NLTJoshua 8:22 ESVJoshua 8:22 NASBJoshua 8:22 KJV
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