Joshua to the Midst of the Valley - Joshua 8:13

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai. And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai. And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city”, and in chapter eight and verse thirteen of the book of Joshua, we learn how,“Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley” where we read, 

And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, 

and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

The verse reads, “And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and when they had set the people” which means “and at the time and moment they, the people of Israel, had fixed, placed and established the human beings”, “even all the host” or “indeed and also each, every, the whole and everyone of the encampment or army camp” “that was on the north” which means “that existed in the northern direction” “of the city” or “pertaining to the dwelling place or town”. Joshua or the writer shared at the time the people of Israel were established in their places including every one of the army who were encamped on the northern side of the city of “Ai”.

 

The verse goes on to say, “… and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and their lies in wait” which means “and their, the people of Israel’s, hinder part or rear of the army “on the west of the city” or “in the western direction pertaining to the dwelling place or town”, “Joshua” whose name means “Jehovah is salvation” “went that night” or “left and departed that particular nighttime” “into the midst of the valley” which means “in the middle of the lowland or steep narrow gorge”. Joshua or the writer said the people of Israel who lurked in the western direction of the city of “Ai”, and Joshua departed into the middle steep valley during that nighttime. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the people of Israel and Joshua were on the move against the city of “Ai”. Some of them were established in the northern direction of “Ai”, and others were in the western direction. Lurking and ambush was part of the plan to defeat “Ai”, and with some troops, including Joshua himself, moving in the darkness of night, they were preparing for battle with the warriors of the city. God was watching over these things, and as Joshua and His people complied with His instructions, they would indeed be victorious. God wants us to walk in victory with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us live according to that truth in a manner that is victorious and pleasing to Him. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37-39)

Next time we learn what happened, “when the king of Ai saw it”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Five House Set to Lie in Ambush - Joshua 8:12

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai. And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai”, and in chapter eight and verse twelve of the book of Joshua, we learn how Joshua, “took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai” where we read, 

And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, 

on the west side of the city.

The verse reads, “And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and he took about five thousand men” which means “and he, Joshua, seized and lay hold of five thousand male human beings”, “and set them” or “and placed, put and established them, the five thousand men” “to lie in ambush” which means “to lurk in secret and lie in wait” “between Bethel and Ai” or “in the middle of Bethel whose name means house of God and Ai whose name means heap of ruins”. Joshua lay hold of “five thousand” of the warriors of Israel and directed them to lie in wait in the middle of “Bethel and Ai”. 

 

The verse continues, “… on the west side of the city.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “on the west side” which means “in the western direction” “of the city” or “pertaining to the dwelling place or town of Ai”. Joshua told the “five thousand” warriors to set up in the western direction of “Ai”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua was setting up forces all around the city of “Ai”, and without a doubt, they would defeat their enemy even as Jehovah God told them. Not only were they to have mental knowledge of God’s plan, but they were also to implement His ideas. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us as well. He made the plan of salvation for mankind when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised him from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will continually guide us into all truth and help us to follow the instructions of God in every area of our lives. 

Next time we learn how, “Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

All the People with Joshua - Joshua 8:11

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai”, and in chapter eight and verse eleven of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up” where we read, 

And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.

The verse reads, “And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and all the people of war” which means “and each, every, the whole and everyone of the human beings pertaining to fighting and battle” “that were with him” or “who accompanied and were alongside him, Joshua”, “went up” which means “departed and ascended”, “and drew nigh” or “and came forth and approached”. Joshua or the writer said everyone of the human beings who were prepared for battle were alongside Joshua, went forth and approached “Ai”.

 

The verse goes on to say, “… and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and came before the city” which means “and moved in front and in the presence of the dwelling place or town”, “and pitched on the north side” or “and abided, rested and encamped on the northern direction” “of Ai” which means “pertaining to Ai whose name means heap of ruins”: “now there was a valley” or “there existed a lowland or steep narrow gorge” “between them and Ai” which means “in the middle of them, Joshua and the people of Israel, and Ai whose name means heap of ruins”. Joshua and the people of Israel who accompanied him moved toward the town of “Ai” and encamped in the northern direction of it even while there existed a lowland or steep narrow gorge between them and the city of “Ai”. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how the people of Israel who were trained for fighting ascended and came close to the city of “Ai” alongside of Joshua. They set up camp in the northern direction of the city with a lowland or steep narrow gorge separating them. The battle was set in array, and we shall see how Jehovah God gives Joshua and the people of Israel the victory in our next few verses. For now let us consider that God’s plan was being fulfilled through Joshua and the people of Israel, and step by step they were complying with the will of God. God wants us to have this type of relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who He sent into the world to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us follow Him and His ways step by step as He reveals them to us.

Next time we learn how Joshua, “took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Numbering the People - Joshua 8:10

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Joshua said to the thirty thousand mighty men of valor concerning Israel taking Ai, “it shall be, when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall you do. See, I have commanded you. Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people”, and in chapter eight and verse ten of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people”where we read, 

And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, 

he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

The verse reads, “And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Joshua rose up early” which means “and Joshua whose name means ‘Jehovah is salvation’ got up and made an initial start” “and numbered the people” or “and reckoned, paid attention to and oversaw the human beings of Israel”, “and went up” which means “and ascended and went forth”. Joshua got up “early in the morning”, reckoned the people who were with him and ascended toward the following. 

 

The verse continues, “… he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “he and the elders” which means “he, Joshua, and the aged and older men” “of Israel” or “belonging to Israel whose name means God prevails and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “before the people” which means “in front and in advance of the human beings” “to Ai” or “toward Ai whose name means heap of ruins”. Joshua and the aged men of “Israel” ascended alongside each other toward the “city of Ai”. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua got an early start at the dawn of the day and ascended to the city of “Ai” alongside the aged men in “Israel”. The plan was underway, and step by step Joshua and the people of Israel were implementing God’s will. We shall see what happens in our next verses, but for now let us consider that at this point, they were marching forward in faith. God is faithful to His word, and although Joshua and the people of Israel were in the middle of His desire, His will would be done. God is purposed to offer salvation to everyone through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and guide us into all truth by His Holy Spirit who will teach us the value of trusting Him even while being in the middle of His plan. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how, “all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Sending Them Forth - Joshua 8:9

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Joshua said concerning Israel taking Ai, “it shall be, when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall you do. See, I have commanded you”, and in chapter eight and verse nine of the book of Joshua, we learn how Joshua, “sent them forth” where we read, 

Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.

The verse reads, “Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “Joshua therefore sent them forth” which means “Joshua whose name means ‘Jehovah is salvation’ at that time dismissed, let loose and dispatched the thirty thousand mighty men of valor”: “and they went to lie in ambush” or “and they, the thirty thousand mighty men of valor, went forth to lurk and remain in waiting”, “and abode between Bethel and Ai” which means “and tarried or continued in the middle of Bethel whose name means ‘house of God’ and Ai whose name means heap of ruins”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joshua” dispatched “the thirty thousand mighty men of valor”, and they remained in hiding in the middle of the cities of “Bethel and Ai”. 

 

The verse goes on to say, “… on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “on the west side of Ai” which means “upon the western side of Ai whose name means heap of ruins”: “but Joshua” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation” “lodged that night” which means “passed the nighttime, remained and abided” “among the people” or “in the midst of the human beings of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how “the thirty thousand mighty men of valor” were stationed upon the western side of “Ai”, however, Joshua himself remained with the “people” of Israel.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn more about the plan of attack formed by Jehovah God through Joshua. Joshua dispatched “the thirty thousand mighty men of valor” to the western side of “Ai”, and they were to be stationed between the cities of “Bethel and Ai”. Joshua stayed with the people of Israel that night, and the battle plan was set to be carried out. God directed Joshua and the people of Israel because “Ai” was to be defeated by Israel, and God has His plan for our lives as well which begins with putting our faith and trust in His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. God raised Him from the dead after three days, and when we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us in all our ways and help us to be victorious over our enemies, foes, circumstances and situations that arise day by day. 

Next time we learn how, “Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

When You Have Taken the City - Joshua 8:8

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Joshua said, “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. (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. Then you shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand”, and in chapter eight and verse eight of the book of Joshua, we learn how Joshua said, “when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire” where we read, 

And it shall be, when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire: 

according to the commandment of the LORD shall you do. See, I have commanded you.

The verse reads, “And it shall be, when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and it shall be” which means “and the following will exist”, “when you have taken the city” or “at the time and moment you, the thirty thousand mighty men of valor, have seized and possessed the dwelling place or town”, “that you shall set the city on fire” which means “that you, the thirty thousand mighty men of valor, are to kindle the dwelling place and town with flames and fiery fire”. Joshua instructed “the thirty thousand mighty men of valor” to kindle a fiery fire within the city of “Ai” after they seized it.

 

The verse continues, “according to the commandment of the LORD shall you do. See, I have commanded you.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “according to the commandment” which means “in keeping with the order and charge” “of the LORD” or “belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “shall you do” which means “will you, the thirty thousand mighty men of valor, accomplish, fashion and perform”. “See, I have commanded you” or “lo, look, consider and behold, I, Joshua, have charged and ordered you, the thirty thousand mighty men of valor”. Joshua directed the thirty thousand mighty men of valor to seize the city of Ai and set it on fire in keeping with Jehovah God’s charge even as Joshua ordered. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how Joshua continued to direct the thirty thousand mighty men of valor in their conquering of “Ai”. At the time and moment they seized the city, they were to burn it with fiery fire just the way Jehovah God instructed. Joshua gave orders to the thirty thousand mighty men of valor, and they were to follow his commands. In the same manner, God desires to save us from the penalty of sin which is death, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and teach us the value of following Him in all our ways in keeping with His perfect purpose and will for our lives. (See Proverbs 3:5-6)

Next time we learn how Joshua, “sent them forth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Rise Up from the Ambush - Joshua 8:7

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Joshua said, “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. (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”, and in chapter eight and verse seven of the book of Joshua, we learn how Joshua said, “you shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city” where we read, 

Then you shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city:

 for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

The verse reads, “Then you shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “then you shall rise up” which means “at that time you, the thirty thousand mighty men of valor who were dispatched at nighttime, will stand up and arise” “from the ambush” or “separate and apart from lying in wait and the lurking place”, “and seize upon the city” which means “and dispossess, inherit, occupy and take possession of the dwelling place or town of Ai”. Joshua told the “thirty thousand mighty men of valor” they were to rise up from their place of lying in wait and take possession of the “city of Ai” when they saw the men of “Ai” running after Joshua and his men.

 

The verse continues, “for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “for the LORD” which means “because, since and on account that Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “your God” or “your, the people of Israel’s, Supreme Deity” “will deliver it” which means “shall put, bestow, grant, ascribe, dedicate and consecrate it, the city of Ai” “into your hand” or “in your, the thirty thousand mighty men of valor’s, power, might, strength and authority”. Joshua declared that Jehovah God who is Israel’s Supreme Deity would bestow and consecrate the “city of Ai” into the authority of the “thirty thousand mighty men of valor”. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Joshua continued to instruct the “thirty thousand mighty men of valor” concerning their next attack on the “city of Ai”. They were to wait until the people of “Ai” pursued “Joshua” and the warriors of Israel who were approaching the city, and then they were to capture “Ai” from the rear. God’s plan for Israel was coming together, and as each person obeyed these instructions, they would possess yet another city in the promise land. God knew the way of conquering for Israel, and He knows the same for us. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days so when we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and help us to follow His ways to possess what He has planned for us in our lives. 

Next time we learn how Joshua said, “when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".