Joshua 8:27

Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.

Study Bible

Israel took only the livestock and the plunder
This phrase highlights the specific spoils of war that the Israelites were permitted to take from the city of Ai. In the Hebrew context, the word for "took" (לָקַח, laqach) implies a deliberate action of seizing or acquiring. The allowance to take livestock and plunder contrasts with the previous command at Jericho, where everything was to be devoted to destruction (herem). This shift signifies a divine strategy and a lesson in obedience, as the Israelites are now permitted to benefit materially from their conquest, reflecting God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises.

of that city for themselves
The phrase underscores the personal benefit that the Israelites received from the conquest. The Hebrew word for "city" (עִיר, ir) often denotes a fortified place, indicating the strategic importance of Ai. The phrase "for themselves" emphasizes the direct blessing and reward for the Israelites' obedience to God's commands. It serves as a reminder that God’s instructions, when followed, lead to tangible blessings and prosperity for His people.

according to the word of the LORD
This phrase is pivotal, as it underscores the divine authority behind the actions of the Israelites. The "word of the LORD" (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, devar-YHWH) is a powerful expression that signifies God's direct communication and command. It highlights the importance of divine guidance and the necessity of aligning human actions with God's will. This obedience to God's word is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing that true success and blessing come from adherence to His commands.

that He had commanded Joshua
The phrase points to the leadership role of Joshua and his responsibility to execute God's commands. The Hebrew root for "commanded" (צָוָה, tsavah) implies a charge or commission, indicating that Joshua was acting under divine authority. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and the need for leaders to be in tune with God's directives. Joshua's obedience serves as a model for all believers, illustrating the blessings that flow from faithful adherence to God's instructions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel, who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in the conquest of Canaan.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are the people executing God's commands in the conquest of Canaan.

3. Ai
A Canaanite city that was conquered by the Israelites. The events in Joshua 8 describe the successful capture of Ai after an initial defeat.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who gives commands and guidance to His people. His instructions are central to the events in Joshua.

5. Livestock and Spoil
The material goods and animals taken by the Israelites from Ai, as permitted by God. This contrasts with the previous command at Jericho, where all spoil was to be devoted to God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' actions at Ai demonstrate the importance of following God's specific instructions. Unlike at Jericho, they were permitted to take spoil, showing that obedience involves listening to God's current word.

God's Provision
The allowance to take spoil from Ai shows God's provision for His people. It reminds us that God provides for our needs in His timing and way.

Learning from Past Mistakes
The initial defeat at Ai (Joshua 7) was due to disobedience. The successful capture in Joshua 8 shows the importance of repentance and aligning with God's will.

Trust in God's Plan
The Israelites' victory at Ai, following God's strategy, underscores the need to trust in God's plan, even when it differs from human logic.

The Consequences of Sin and Redemption
The contrast between the events at Jericho and Ai highlights the consequences of sin (Achan's sin at Jericho) and the possibility of redemption and success when sin is addressed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to take spoil from Ai differ from the command at Jericho, and what does this teach us about God's instructions?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to and obeying God's current word in our lives?

3. How does the account of Ai encourage us to trust in God's provision, even when it seems delayed or different from our expectations?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' initial defeat and subsequent victory at Ai about dealing with sin and seeking God's guidance?

5. How can we apply the principle of learning from past mistakes and aligning with God's will in our personal and communal lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:14
This passage provides instructions for taking spoil from cities that are far from the Promised Land, showing a precedent for the actions at Ai.

Joshua 6:18-19
The command regarding Jericho, where the Israelites were instructed not to take any spoil for themselves, highlighting the difference in God's instructions between Jericho and Ai.

1 Samuel 15:3
God's command to Saul regarding the Amalekites, which also involved specific instructions about spoils, illustrating the importance of obedience to God's commands.