“(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.”
Context: Joshua 8:6 is part of the account of the conquest of the city of Ai by the Israelites. After the initial defeat at Ai due to the sin of Achan (Joshua 7), the Israelites regrouped and sought God’s guidance for the second attempt. God instructed Joshua to take the entire army and execute a strategic plan to overcome Ai.
The Importance of God’s Guidance: One of the key lessons from Joshua 8:6 is the importance of seeking and following God’s guidance. After the defeat at Ai, Joshua and the Israelites learned the significance of relying on God’s instructions rather than acting in their own strength. In verse 1 of Joshua 8, God specifically tells Joshua not to fear or be dismayed but to take all the people of war and go up against Ai. This emphasizes the need for the Israelites to trust in God’s wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on their own strategies.
Strategic Planning: In verse 6, we see a specific strategic plan mentioned: “till we have drawn them from the city.” The Israelites intended to draw out the inhabitants of Ai by appearing as though they were retreating. This plan was designed to lure the people of Ai out of the city so that the main Israelite force could surround and capture the city once the people of Ai were in pursuit. This demonstrates the importance of strategic planning and utilizing wisdom in warfare. While the Israelites still relied on God’s guidance, they also employed practical strategies to achieve victory.
Deception and Perception: Another lesson from Joshua 8:6 is the understanding of deception and perception. The Israelites planned to make the people of Ai believe that they were once again fleeing in fear, just as they did during their first attempt. By doing so, they aimed to create a false perception that the Israelites were weak and vulnerable. This would then lead the people of Ai to pursue them, ultimately falling into the trap set by the Israelites. However, it’s crucial to note that the Israelites’ success was not solely due to their own cunning or military tactics but was contingent on God’s involvement and guidance.
Faith in God’s Promises: Throughout the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites’ success depended on their faith and obedience to God’s promises. Joshua 8:6 reflects the Israelites’ growing trust in God’s faithfulness despite their previous setback at Ai. The plan outlined in this verse required the Israelites to trust in God’s promise of victory and follow His instructions with unwavering faith.
Overall, Joshua 8:6 teaches us about the importance of seeking and following God’s guidance, employing strategic planning, understanding perception and deception, and placing faith in God’s promises. By studying this verse and its surrounding context, we can gain valuable insights into God’s faithfulness, His role in our lives, and the importance of trust and obedience in achieving victory.
