In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai”, and in chapter eight and verse twenty-two of the book of Joshua, we learn how, “the other issued out of the city against them” where we read,
And the other issued out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they smote them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.
The verse reads, “And the other issued out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side.” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the other issued” which means “and the other band of warriors proceeded, departed and flowed forth” “out of the city against them” or “from the dwelling place or town in opposition to them, the men of Ai”; “so they were in the midst of Israel” which means “therefore they, the people of Ai, were within the middle of Israel whose name means God prevails and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “some on this side” or “a number other the people of Israel upon one direction”, “and some on that side” which means “a number of other people of Israel upon the other side”. Joshua or the writer shared how more of the warriors of Israel came against the men of “Ai” and surrounded them from all sides.
The verse continues, “and they smote them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and they smote them” which means “and they, the people of Israel, struck, beat, hit, slayed and killed them, the people of Ai”.“so that they let none of them remain” or “until they, the people of Israel, did not allow or permit a single person of them, the people of Ai, to survive or stay alive” “or escape” which means “or to become a fugitive or refugee”. Joshua or the writer shared how the people of Israel killed everyone in “Ai”, and not a single one of them continued to be alive or were able to become a fugitive.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how there was a complete annihilation of the people of “Ai” by the warriors of “Israel”. “Israel” surrounded them and did not allow any of them to escape. This was God’s plan, and although the people of Israel suffered defeat and lost thirty six men on their first attempt to conquer “Ai”, this time all of “Ai” was defeated. (See Joshua 7:5) This was God will and purpose for Israel, and because sin is so wicked, God gives us an opportunity to be forgiven of our sins and granted everlasting life when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the grave after three days. As we submit to Him, God will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the power to defeat the enemy of sin that desires to destroy our lives.
Next time we learn how, “the king of Ai they took alive”, 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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