Israel Destroys the Town of Ai

Joshua 8:1–29
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The conquest of Ai was very important to the Israelites. Only 11 miles from Jericho, Ai was a key stronghold for the Canaanites and a buffer fortress for Bethel (v. 12). The LORD told Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged by what happened at the town of Ai (vv. 1-2). Take the army and attack again. But first, have part of the army set up an ambush on the other side of the town. I will help you defeat the king of Ai and his army, and you will capture the town and the land around it. Destroy Ai and kill its king as you did at Jericho. But you may keep the livestock and everything else you want. Yesterday’s defeat becomes today’s victory. God wants the cycle of sin, repentance, and forgiveness to strengthen us, not weaken us. The loss of one battle does not necessarily mean the loss of the war. Joshua learned by his blunders, and so should we if we have tripped and fallen. As Joshua moves against Ai for the second time, he did not minimize the power of this little city. While the primary cause of defeat at Ai was Achan’s sin, the secondary cause was the underrating of the enemy. 

The strategy for the capture of Ai was mapped out by God (vv. 3-19). The plan involved three contingents of soldiers. The major segment of Israel’s army was to be stationed to the North of Ai and be used to draw the men of Ai out of the city. A group of 30 brave officers chosen by Joshua were to hide just west of the city and at a given signal were to go in and set the city on fire. This was to happen as its warriors deserted the city to chase Joshua and his Army. A third group of 5,000 was stationed between Ai and Bethel to head off an Army of Bethelites should they come to Ai’s aid. As a result, the city was destroyed, and all its inhabitants were wiped out (vv. 20-29).

Application

The lessons I learn from my failures should make me better able to handle the same situation the second time around.