Joshua 8:6

(For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them.

Joshua 8:6 (KJV)

Context

Joshua 8:6 belongs to Israel’s second attack on Ai, after their first defeat caused by Achan’s sin (Joshua 7). The people sought the Lord’s direction and received a clear command to take the whole army and execute a strategic plan to capture the city.

In Joshua 8:1 the Lord tells Joshua not to fear or be dismayed, but to take all the people of war and go up against Ai. This instruction shows that victory depends on trusting God’s wisdom rather than relying solely on human strength.

Meaning

In this verse Joshua explains the plan: he and the main force will approach the city, and when the men of Ai come out to fight, the Israelites will flee before them. The purpose is to draw the men of Ai away from the city so that the ambush force can enter and burn it. The phrase “as at the first” refers to the previous defeat when Israel fled from Ai, which the men of Ai would remember and expect.

The Israelites intended to appear to be retreating so that the people of Ai would pursue them, allowing the main Israelite force to surround and capture the city. The earlier promise, “when the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hand, thou shalt rise early, go unto Ai, and set an ambush behind it,” reinforces the use of an ambush as part of God-ordained strategy. While the plan employed practical military tactics, it was carried out under divine direction.

Deception and perception play a crucial role. By making the Ai inhabitants believe the Israelites were fleeing in fear, the Israelites created a false impression of weakness that lured the enemy into a trap. Their success, however, was not merely the result of human cunning but was contingent on God’s involvement and guidance.

Biblical connections

This tactical deception was part of God’s plan to give Ai into Israel’s hands. The verse highlights Joshua’s confidence in God’s guidance and his obedience to the divine strategy, even though it involved apparent retreat. Throughout the conquest of Canaan, Israel’s triumphs rested on obedience to God’s covenant and confidence in His promise of victory.

Application

Faith in God’s promises is a key lesson. The plan in Joshua 8 required the people to trust that God would deliver the city and to follow His instructions with unwavering faith. God can use even apparent weakness or retreat to accomplish His purposes.

Reflection

Seeking and obeying God’s guidance, employing wise strategic planning, understanding the power of perception, and placing steadfast faith in God’s promises are essential for overcoming challenges. Believers can gain deeper insight into God’s faithfulness, His active role in our lives, and the importance of trust and obedience.