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".
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