“And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them.”
This verse is part of the account of the conquest of the city of Ai by the Israelites, led by Joshua, following their entrance into the Promised Land. To understand the significance of Joshua 8:5, we need to consider the events leading up to this verse.
In the previous chapter (Joshua 7), the Israelites faced a setback in their conquest of the land. A man named Achan had disobeyed God’s command by taking forbidden spoils from the city of Jericho, causing God’s anger to be kindled against Israel. As a result, the Israelites were defeated in their initial attempt to capture the city of Ai.
After dealing with the sin of Achan, Joshua sought guidance from God on how to proceed. In Joshua 8:1-2, the Lord instructs Joshua to not fear or be discouraged but to take the entire army and approach the city of Ai once again. However, the strategy given by God in verse 5 seems counterintuitive at first.
The phrase “and it shall come to pass when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them” may seem puzzling. It suggests that the Israelites planned to retreat when the people of Ai came out to engage them. However, this apparent retreat was part of God’s strategy to lure the people of Ai away from their city and into a trap.
In the subsequent verses, the Lord gives specific instructions for Joshua to lay an ambush behind the city. As the men of Ai pursued the Israelites, they left the city unprotected, and the Israelite army, which had initially retreated, then turned to face the pursuing Ai forces. At this point, the Israelite ambush party rose up from their hiding place, entered the city, and set it on fire. The combined forces of the Israelites then attacked the men of Ai from both sides, achieving victory.
The strategy outlined in Joshua 8:5 demonstrates the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and following His instructions, even when they appear unconventional or contrary to our human reasoning. The Israelites learned from their previous defeat that obedience and faithfulness to God were paramount in their conquest of the Promised Land.
Additionally, this passage illustrates God’s faithfulness and involvement in the affairs of His people. He not only forgave their previous disobedience but also provided a specific plan to ensure their victory. The Israelites’ success in the battle of Ai was a testament to God’s power and his commitment to fulfilling His promises to them.
In summary, Joshua 8:5 teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s guidance, even when His instructions seem counterintuitive. It reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding. By following His leading, we can experience His faithfulness and witness His miraculous interventions in our lives.
