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Joshua 8:3 - What were we thinking? - Day 187

Just a few thoughts on what happens when Israel does not see the need to listen to God all the time.

Blessings

Jeff

The difference in tactics between first and second battle for Ai was what drew my interest.

While the Achan's sin is the real reason for Israel's defeat in the first battle, there are some other interesting differences.  If Achan had not sinned at Jericho, Israel would have captured Ai on the first attempt.

Number of soldiers First battle is 2000 or 3000 total.  Second is all the fighting men (This was the list of the people i.e. able body men, of Israel, 601,730. Numbers 26:51)  with 30,000 of them sent out to be the ambush.

Tactics - First battle - frontal attack.  Second - Deception and ambush.  Used the result of first battle to deceive men of Ai.

God's role - First - spies who came back with an overly optimistic report.  God was not consulted.  Second, God gives direction for the ambush, but without details.

Spoils - Have to compare Jericho and Ai as there were no spoils for the defeat.  Jericho - destroy everything. Ai - only people destroyed.  Israel can keep spoils and livestock.  Poor foolish Achan.  If he had just waited one battle he could have legally had silver, gold and clothing.


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