Joshua 7

Joshua 7:1-15 – Defeated at Ai

  • Joshua 7:1 – Achan violates the ban on plunder that God had put in place (see Joshua 6:17).
  • Joshua 7:4-9 – Because of Achan’s sin, Israel loses a battle. Joshua went straight to God in prayer, which was the correct response.

Joshua 7:16-26 – Achan punished

  • Achan “saw … coveted … took … concealed.” This is the way sin always works! Compare James 1:14-15.
  • We must stop sin right at the beginning and not let it proceed.
  • Joshua 7:22-25 – Achan’s punishment was swift and severe. See Deuteronomy 13:6-11.

Joshua 8

Joshua 8:1-8 – Instructions about Ai

  • Joshua 8:2 – The firstfruits of the conquest were from Jericho and were dedicated to God. Thereafter, God allowed the people to plunder. Ultimately, God rules and can make commands as He wishes. (If only Achan had waited for one more battle, he could have had his plunder and still been acceptable to God! We must operate on God’s timetable.)

Joshua 8:9-29 – Defeat of Ai

  • God instructs Joshua to set an ambush for Ai, utterly defeating them.

Joshua 8:30-35 – Altar and reading the law

Joshua 9

Joshua 9:1-27 – Gibeonite deception and covenant