In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword. And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai. For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai”, and in chapter eight and verse twenty-seven of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves” where we read,
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves,
according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.
The verse reads, “Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “only the cattle” which means “save and except the beasts, the animals and the livestock” “and the spoil” or “and the booty, plunder and gain” “of the city” which means “belonging to the dwelling place or town of Ai” “Israel” whose name means “God prevails and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “took for a prey” which means “captured, seized and possessed on behalf of plunder and spoil” “unto themselves” or “to their, Israel’s, own selves”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Israel” destroyed everything which was within “Ai” with the exception of the livestock, plunder and gain”.
The verse continues, “… according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “according unto the word” which means “in keeping with the speech, utterance, declaration and proclamation” “of the LORD” or “belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “which he commanded Joshua” which means “that He, Jehovah God, charged and ordered Joshua whose name means Jehovah is salvation”. Joshua or the writer shared how the people of “Israel” kept Jehovah God’s declaration that he declared through “Joshua”.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn that the people of “Israel” destroyed everything within the city of “Ai” with the exception of the livestock, plunder and gain. This was in keeping with Jehovah God’s instructions to “Joshua”, and this time the people of Israel were allowed to take possessions for themselves. God is in control, and when He gives provision, we are to receive it. When He wants us to refrain, we are to refrain. God knows what is best for our lives, and because He loves 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. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and help us know when to take “plunder” and when to refrain from doing so.
Next time we learn how, “Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever”, 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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