Joshua 7-8: Failure teaches us to rely on God

I was reading the Book of Joshua 1-8 early this morning.

It is a good place to start my Bible Reading as the Book of Joshua starts with a new leader, a new generation of Israelites, a new venture into the promise land. It is just the right time as we move into a new year.

1. Complacency after capturing Jericho (Joshua 7)
After gaining victory over the city of Jericho, Joshua seems complacent when he sent 3000 people to attack the city of Ai. He didn’t even go with them. The failure and casualty of his troops sort of wake him up. Time for some soul searching. Time to come to the Lord. As always, when we come to the LORD, He will show us the way, the cause of the failure. If Joshua would have humbled and seek the Lord before attacking Ai, then it would be very different.

2. Contemplative after assurance from God (Joshua 8:-1-13)
After removing the sin of Achan and the encouragement of God to attack Ai, this time Joshua is more humbled. He now sends 30,000 warriors (notice the different – 3000 ordinary people at first, now 30,000 well-trained warriors) even though God has assured him of victory. He himself is now involved in the battle.

2 verses strike me:
– Josh 8:9 – but Joshua spent that night in the camp
- Josh 8:13 – but Joshua spent that night in the valley

What was he doing? When a man of God spends the night alone, it is usually in prayer and meditation. Jesus does that often. So does Jacob. Let’s learn to be prayerful in all our activities and events in BPCES this year.

3. Covenant after defeating Ai (Joshua 8:30-35)
After defeating Ai, this time Joshua builds an altar to the LORD. An altar is always a symbol of worship. He then read the Law of Moses (i.e. the WORD of GOD). Why? Because he remembers what God told him at the beginning (Josh 1:8). To who? To all the assembly of Israel, including women, little ones and aliens who resided among them. What a timely reminder to me!! Worship and Bible Reading should include everyone, even little ones.

Care to join me in reading the Book of Joshua?


Joshua 1:8 - Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.