“And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.”
Historical Context: The book of Joshua is set in the period when the Israelites were entering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. The conquest of the land involved military campaigns against various cities, and Ai was one of the cities that the Israelites needed to conquer.
Preceding Events: In Joshua 6, we read about the miraculous fall of Jericho, where the walls of the city collapsed after the Israelites marched around it for seven days. After the victory at Jericho, the Israelites were filled with confidence and looked to conquer the next city, Ai.
Joshua’s Strategy: In verse 2, Joshua sent spies to Ai to gather information about the city and its defenses. This was a common military tactic to gather intelligence before launching an attack. Joshua wanted to assess the strength and layout of Ai before deciding on the appropriate strategy for conquering it.
Disastrous Outcome: While the spies were successful in their mission, their report had dire consequences. In Joshua 7:3-5, we learn that the spies reported that Ai was a smaller city and advised Joshua to send only a small force to capture it. Based on this information, Joshua sent about three thousand men to attack Ai, but they were unexpectedly repelled by the people of Ai, resulting in the Israelites’ defeat.
The Sin of Achan: Joshua 7:1 informs us that the defeat at Ai was a consequence of the sin committed by a man named Achan. After the defeat, Joshua sought God’s counsel, and it was revealed that Achan had violated God’s command by taking devoted things from Jericho and hiding them in his tent (Joshua 7:10-12). Because of Achan’s disobedience, the Lord had withdrawn His presence and blessing from the Israelites, leading to their defeat at Ai.
Lesson: Joshua 7:2 serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and not relying solely on human assessment or past victories. Joshua’s decision to send a smaller force to Ai was based on the spies’ report but not on seeking God’s specific guidance. The defeat at Ai highlights the significance of obedience to God’s commands and the need for genuine repentance when sin is present among God’s people.
Consequences and Resolution: Following the discovery of Achan’s sin, he and his entire family were held accountable and punished (Joshua 7:24-26). After dealing with the sin, the Israelites were able to achieve victory at Ai in a subsequent battle (Joshua 8).
In conclusion, Joshua 7:2 highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and the consequences of disobedience. It teaches us that relying solely on human wisdom and past successes can lead to failure, while genuine repentance and obedience to God’s commands are essential for success in our endeavors.
