AM Bible Study Group; October 16, 2013
Joshua 8:1-29
Theme: We regain ground lost through disobedience to God by going forward in dependent obedience.
(Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated).
Chapter 8 is a story of recovery after the defeat of Chapter 7. Had the sin of Achin not occurred, the city of Ai would have been easily taken. But ground had been lost through disobedience. The recovery of lost ground is often one of the most difficult problems we face in our progress in the Christian life. As Alan Redpath once put it, “Thirty minutes of willful disobedience in the life of a child of God has often resulted in thirty years of being out of blessing” (Victorious Christian Living, p. 124). As this chapter shows us, the pathway to recovery may be difficult, and it’s best not to have to make recovery at all. But our course on the pathway can be resumed—and victory once more restored—only through dependent obedience.
I. THE PROMISE FROM GOD (vv. 1-2).
A. In chapter 7, the people had dealt with the sin of Achin, and the anger of the Lord had been turned away (7:26). And now, He speaks words of encouragement to His people’s leader. He let’s Joshua know that He has given Ai to the people of Israel—”the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land” (v. 1).
B. Just as in the case of Jericho, the people were to be completely destroyed. But this time— unlike the case of the conquest of Jericho—God allows the people of Israel to take the cattle of Ai for themselves as booty (v. 2). What God prohibits on one case—disobedience to which resulted in loss—He permits in another. His ways are always wise; and ours is but to make sure we obey in each particular case.
II. THE PLAN FOR RECOVERY (vv. 3-8).
A. It’s interesting that the failure in the case of Ai in Chapter 7 becomes the means of victory in Chapter 8. God calls for Joshua to set 30,000 men in the north; but 5,000 men in ambush in the west (see the attached map). When the troops in the north flee, it would draw the people of Ai out after them—thus leaving the city vulnerable for ambush by the troops in the west.
B. Note that this is not mere ‘human creativity’, nor is it strictly dependent upon deceit. Joshua affirms that—as they obey—”the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand” (v. 7). Joshua affirms, “According to the commandment of the LORD you shall do” (v. 8)—and from the experience they had in not following the Lord in Chapter 7, we can be sure they will do as the Lord commands! Joshua stands as God’s representative to them—to be sure this happens (v. 8).
III. THE BATTLE IN THE VALLEY (vv. 9-23).
A. The plan succeeded—and perhaps better than expected! Note that not only the people of Ai come after the troops in flight, but in the providence of God so does Bethel. Since the troops in ambush were between Ai and Bethel, the men from Bethel must not have even seen them— perhaps yet another confirmation of God’s hand upon the people of Israel in their obedience!
B. At God’s command, Joshua stretched out his spear—a signal to the troops in ambush. The people of Ai were completely caught by surprised—and trapped in the middle.
IV. THE CONQUEST OF THE CITY (vv. 24-29).
A. The king of Ai was brought to Joshua alive. After the city was completely burned, the king was hung—but not kept on the tree all day, as this would violate God’s law (see Deuteronomy 21:22-23). This was now the land of the people of Israel—and they must not allow it to be cursed.
B. The burned city became a monument in stone—perhaps as a constant reminder that disobedience results in lost ground—ground that may be regained, but only by dependent obedience to God!
The Conquest of Ai (PDF)