Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua. Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that cityThis phrase highlights the specific instructions given to the Israelites regarding the spoils of Ai. Unlike the previous battle at Jericho, where all spoils were devoted to the LORD, here the Israelites are permitted to take the cattle and plunder. This reflects a shift in divine strategy and provision, emphasizing God's sovereignty in determining the distribution of resources. The allowance of plunder serves as a reward for the Israelites' obedience and perseverance. Historically, this practice was common in ancient warfare, where victors claimed the spoils of defeated cities. Theologically, it underscores God's provision and blessing upon His people when they follow His commands. as the LORD had commanded Joshua
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to divine instruction. Joshua, as the leader, is portrayed as a faithful servant who adheres to God's commands. This obedience is crucial for the success of Israel's military campaigns and their settlement in the Promised Land. The command from the LORD to Joshua is a direct communication, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and His chosen leader. This obedience is a recurring theme throughout the book of Joshua, illustrating the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It also serves as a typology of Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father, fulfilling His will. The command to take the plunder, unlike the ban at Jericho, shows God's grace and provision, rewarding the Israelites for their faithfulness. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe 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. IsraelThe 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. AiA 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 SpoilThe 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 CommandsThe 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 ProvisionThe 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 MistakesThe 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 PlanThe 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 RedemptionThe 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 20:14This passage provides instructions for taking spoil from cities that are far from the Promised Land, showing a precedent for the actions at Ai. Joshua 6:18-19The 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 15:3God's command to Saul regarding the Amalekites, which also involved specific instructions about spoils, illustrating the importance of obedience to God's commands. People Israelites, Joshua, LevitesPlaces Ai, Arabah, Bethel, Jericho, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Booty, Cattle, Commanded, Goods, Instructed, Joshua, Livestock, Orders, Plunder, Prey, Spoil, Spoiled, Themselves, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 8:24-29 5508 ruins 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 8:27 NIVJoshua 8:27 NLTJoshua 8:27 ESVJoshua 8:27 NASBJoshua 8:27 KJV
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