SCRIPTURE: Joshua 8:1-17
OBSERVATION:
Interesting that while Jericho was defeated without battle, here a very shrewd military tactic is used to defeat Ai. In daily relationships this would be considered deceptive, but in battle it is considered clever. Not sure if there is a lesson in this. I do note that the armies of Ai were prepared to slaughter the Israelites. In other words, it was a “kill or be killed” situation. How else could God have given the promised land to Israel? He is working through humans, and through the human situations of the time. It sure is hard to find God in this story. Somehow it has something to do with the violent nature of sin, and how God works out His purposes in our circumstances (i.e. the world of our making).
APPLICATION:
Not sure if these reflections make sense. I am struggling with the violent nature of these events, and how they fit with Who we know God to be. Somehow it all fits together, but we do need to face the difficulty of it. I do believe in the end that the real source of evil, violence, cruelty, war, etc is us, and that God is working through our messed up worldly ways to establish His Kingdom. In our time, we know God no longer directs in these ways, and we are called to turn the world upside-down through grace and deeds of love and mercy. Am I? Are we?
PRAYER:
Lord, I know that these stories fit within Your unfolding plan and good purpose, but I admit that it is hard to read today. It seems so contrary to how we know You. Its not, it somehow fits together, I am just sharing how hard it is to understand. I choose to trust! Amen.
The first time attacking Ai, the people were defeated because of their disobedience. Do this and Live, that what the Lord says. The victory will be given this time and also the spoils will be the peoples. After giving the battle instructions, Joshua spent the night with the people.
When the soldiers had all taken their places and the ambush was set for the next day, Joshua went into the valley.
I do not know what Joshua did when he spent the night with the people nor what he did when he went into the valley. My guess would be talking – the first to the peoples and the second to God. Joshua was a man of God who was remembered how he lived for God. Faithfulness.
Lord help me to be obedient to Your speaking to me. Help me today to follow Your commands for my life in kingdom service. Help me to be faithful.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where the is darkness, only light;
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.