Lessons to learn

4So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai 5chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralysed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.   Joshua 7:4 -5.   NLT

It can be described as a disastrous day for Joshua because his army were defeated in a most humiliating manner. What had happened? Where was the elite efficiency they had shown when they took Jericho? Answer - there was a root of sin that had taken hold and caused this defeat. Let's examine this more deeply.

When they had defeated Jericho, Joshua gave the order that nothing should be taken from the camp, except silver, gold or iron for the treasury of the Lord's house. However, a man called Achan couldn't resist and stole some for himself. He hid this in his tent on return. In the meantime, Joshua decided  to attack Ai and again, sent out spies. On return, they discussed the strategy with Joshua and told him that just 3000 troops would be enough to attack as there wasn't many enemy to be seen and they could be easily overpowered. The problem was, they underestimated the enemy and after being chased, they suffered terrible defeat.

What caused all of this? Joshua had become too complacent and overconfident and he didn't even consult God about the attack, he just arranged for it to happen. Because of not being in prayer with God, he also failed to recognise that Achan had stolen some of the Lord's treasure and therefore his sin had disabled them. 

Assessment  Don't ever go into something in your own strength. Commit it to the Lord, you can't do it alone. Don't neglect prayer. Like Joshua, don't become puffed up with pride. it was like he had become too big for his boots. This cost him dearly.It had become devastation and the buck stopped with Joshua, he was their leader. Because of this, they suffered shame and their reputation was smashed in a moment. This led to Joshua feeling sorry for himself and calling a 'pity party'. His protests to God were rather like the previous Istaelites who called out in the desert, 'Oh, Sovereign LORD, why did you being us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us?' V7. Joshua had the audacity to blame God for all of this. But God told him to get up instead of lying on his face crying out. God told him that someone had stolen some of the things He had ordered to be set apart. He said that in the morning, Joshua needed to gather all of the people and He would show him who did this. Joshua would then need to deal with it. Achan was singled out and he and all of his family were destroyed, burned and buried. Where they were laid is called The Valley of Trouble V26. 

What are the lessons to learn here?

Doing things your own way. Don't ever leave God out of your life, include Him in the planning Proverbs 3:5-6, John 15:5. 

Complacency Don't become so puffed up that you are too sure of yourself. Only God knows the way, not you. 

Deal with sin  Don't let it fester; remember one bad apple will ruin the whole lot. Sin cannot be swept under the carpet. It needs addressing because it is a blot on your ministry and testimony.

Final word  When you have messed up and confessed and dealt with the sin in your life. Thank and praise God and then, move on, don't begin to feel sorry for yourself.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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