Joshua 7 (2)

Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, “Go up and spy out the country.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few.” So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water. Joshua 7.2-5

Reflect.
1.  The assault on Ai began well, following the pattern Israel had used in besieging Jericho. Then it all went bad. Why?

2.  Notice the specific use of that phrase the hearts of the people melted and became like water. Where have we heard that before? What was happening among the people of Israel?

Think about it.
While the expedition against Ai began well, with spies sent out to gather information, the breakdown occurred when Joshua listened to his spies rather than wait upon the Lord. Heretofore, God had given specific step-by-step instructions as to how Israel should proceed. Joshua, famous “throughout all the country,” judged that his spies’ report sounded reasonable. 

But what sounds reasonable to men may not be what God wants. Better to seek Him before taking matters into our own hands.

We note also that the spies suggested it was not necessary to “weary all the people.” In fact, God had made a point of wearying all the people at Jericho, precisely so that they would see His power at work within them. The conquest of Canaan was an “all Israel” project (recall 3.17, 4.1). Joshua showed that in this instance he was not relying on the Lord but on the strength of human forces, since the people of Ai were few. It’s as if they were saying to the Lord, “We can handle this one.”

But, no, they could not. And not just because they failed to seek the Lord, and were beginning to rely on the arm of flesh rather than the Word of God. An even more serious problem was the cause of their humiliation.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Those thirty-six or so who died fleeing the people of Ai were the first to perish on Canaanite soil. How do you suppose that report was received in the camp at Gilgal?

2.  The Lord says, “without Me, you can do nothing” (Jn. 15.5). How much does “nothing” include? Do we act as if we need the Lord for everything in our lives? Explain. How can we make sure that we’re trusting the Lord for everything?

3.  Why is it important always to check our thoughts, ideas, and plans against what God has revealed in His Word (2 Cor. 10.3-5)? How should we do that?

“In the camp itself, such was the trepidation that all hearts melted. I admit, indeed, that there was cause for fear when, after having gained so many victories as it were in sport, they saw themselves so disgracefully defeated. In unwonted circumstances we are more easily disturbed. But it was a terror from heaven which dismayed them more than the death of thirty men and the flight of three thousand.” John Calvin, Commentary on Joshua (1509-1564)

Without You I can do nothing, Lord – nothing! Help me always to remember this, so that…

Pray Psalm 33.13-22.
Today, where might you be tempted to trust the arm of flesh rather than the Lord? Prepare for the temptation now, and you’ll be more likely to overcome it later.

Psalm 33.13-22 (Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
God from His throne looks down on men; 
He knows our works and made our hearts.
Let not Your Church, let none depend 
on strength or skill or human arts.

God watches those who fear His Name, 
who hope upon His grace and love; 
He keeps their souls from death and shame
who trust in Him Who reigns above.

God is our Helper and our Shield; 
upon us let Your grace descend!
We hope in You; to You we yield; 
we trust in Jesus to the end.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).