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From Eternity Past
Canaanites lived only to blaspheme Heaven and defile the earth. Both
love and justice demanded the execution of these rebels against God
and foes to man.
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.”
Hebrews 11:30
. The
Captain of the Lord’s host communicated only with Joshua. He did
not reveal Himself to all the congregation, and it rested with them to
believe or doubt the words of Joshua. They could not see the host
of angels who attended them under the leadership of the Son of God.
They might have reasoned: “How ridiculous, marching daily around
the walls of the city, blowing trumpets of rams’ horns. This can have no
effect upon those towering fortifications.” But it was to be impressed
upon their minds that their strength was not in the wisdom of man, nor
in his might, but only in the God of their salvation. God will do great
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things for those who trust in Him. He will help His believing children
in every emergency, if they will place their entire confidence in Him
and faithfully obey Him.
Why Israel Was Defeated at Ai
Soon after the fall of Jericho, Joshua determined to attack Ai, a
small town among the ravines a few miles west of the Jordan Valley.
Spies brought the report that the inhabitants were few, and only a small
force would be needed to overthrow it.
The great victory that God had gained for them had made the
Israelites self-confident. They failed to realize that divine help alone
could give them success. Even Joshua laid his plans for the conquest
of Ai without seeking counsel from God.
The Israelites had begun to look with contempt upon their foes.
An easy victory was expected, and three thousand men were thought
sufficient to take the place. These advanced nearly to the gate of
the city, only to encounter determined resistence. Panic-stricken at
the numbers and thorough preparation of their enemies, they fled in
confusion down the steep descent. The Canaanites “chased them from
before the gate, ... and smote them in the going down.” Though the
loss was small as to numbers—thirty-six men slain—the defeat was
disheartening. “The hearts of the people melted, and became as water.”
Joshua looked upon their ill success as an expression of God’s
displeasure. In distress and apprehension he “rent his clothes, and fell