Jos. 8: Joshua vs. Ai II: This Time, It's Biblical

Joshua 8:26 "For Joshua did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin until he had destroyed all who lived in Ai."

Another military victory for Joshua. This time they get it right. This time, God is in on the plan, rather than Joshua just sending dudes out to take over a city. They use some strategy this time out, setting an ambush. The men of Ai, confident in their recent victory over Israel, probably assume its more of the same when Israel sends men up against them and then flee again. But this time, Israel had more dudes west of Ai. When the men of Ai pursued Joshua's men, the ambush dudes waltzed right in and burnt the bejeebers out of Ai. Then the men turn around and see their city burning. Can you imagine that?

Then Israel slaughters them. Then Israel slaughters whoever is left in the city. Then Israel is allowed to plunder the city. Achan should have just waited, man. He got greedy too soon.

A mystical God thing of note in this chapter is how Joshua was instructed to point his javelin at Ai, and the ambush started, and the city was leveled. And for as long as Joshua held his javelin up, Ai was demolished.

Then Joshua hangs the king of Ai, the enemy of Israel on a tree in complete humiliation, and in the evening, throws his corpse down on the city gate. Seems kind of extreme, and I have no idea if God sanctioned that, or if the Bible is simply recording this. Anyway, this would freak me out, if I had any lingering thoughts about taking on Israel.

Then Joshua renews the covenant with God and Israel. He gives a refresher course.