(For they will come out after vs) till we haue drawen them from the citie; for they will say, They flee before vs, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them. Joshua 8:6 (KJV)
Joshua 8:6 belongs to the account of the Israelites’ conquest of Ai after the initial defeat caused by Achan’s sin (Joshua 7). The people regrouped, sought the Lord’s direction, and received a clear command to take the whole army and execute a strategic plan to capture the city.
The passage underscores the importance of God’s guidance. 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 highlights that victory depends on trusting God’s wisdom rather than relying solely on human strength.
A specific strategic plan is outlined in verse 6: “Behold, I will draw the men of the city out unto us, till they be all drawn away from the city; for they will say, ‘They flee before us, as at the first,’ therefore we will flee before them.” 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.
Faith in God’s promises is another key lesson. Throughout the conquest of Canaan, Israel’s triumphs rested on obedience to God’s covenant and confidence in His promise of victory. The plan in Joshua 8 required the people to trust that God would deliver the city and to follow His instructions with unwavering faith.
Overall, Joshua 8 teaches that 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 achieving victory. By studying this verse and its surrounding context, believers can gain deeper insight into God’s faithfulness, His active role in our lives, and the importance of trust and obedience in overcoming challenges.
