“And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready.”
Historical Context: Joshua 8 is part of the narrative of the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. After their initial defeat at the city of Ai due to the sin of Achan (Joshua 7), the Israelites sought God’s guidance for their next military strategy.
Military Strategy: In verse 4, Joshua issues specific instructions to his soldiers. He tells them to lie in wait behind the city of Ai and not to go very far from it. The purpose of this strategy was to deceive the inhabitants of Ai into thinking that the Israelites were retreating again, just as they did before. Meanwhile, a group of soldiers would go into the city and set it on fire.
Trusting in God’s Guidance: Joshua’s instructions were not based solely on human wisdom or military tactics. He sought God’s guidance and followed His commands. The strategy of lying in wait and luring the people of Ai out of their city was part of God’s plan to give the Israelites victory over their enemies.
Lessons from Joshua 8:4:
- Obedience and Trust: Joshua’s instructions required obedience and trust from the Israelite soldiers. They had to trust that Joshua had sought God’s guidance and that following his instructions would lead to victory. Similarly, as believers, we need to obey God’s commands and trust in His guidance in our lives.
- God’s Strategic Wisdom: Joshua’s military strategy reveals God’s wisdom in planning and executing His purposes. Sometimes, God’s ways may seem unconventional or unexpected, but we can trust that His plans are ultimately for our good and His glory.
- Deception and Surprise: The strategy of deceiving the enemy by luring them out of their city can teach us about spiritual warfare. Satan often tries to deceive and distract us, but we can overcome his schemes by remaining alert and relying on God’s guidance.
- Preparation and Readiness: Joshua emphasized the importance of being ready for battle. This principle applies to our spiritual lives as well. We should always be prepared, spiritually equipped, and ready to face the challenges that come our way.
Application:
- Seek God’s Guidance: Like Joshua, seek God’s guidance in your decisions and strategies. Trust that He will lead you in the right direction.
- Obedience and Trust: Obey God’s commands even when they may seem unconventional or challenging. Trust that He knows what is best for you.
- Stay Spiritually Prepared: Regularly invest time in prayer, studying the Bible, and growing in your relationship with God. This will help you stay spiritually prepared for the battles and challenges of life.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult other commentaries or resources for a deeper understanding of the passage.
