The Book of Joshua is one that is enjoyable especially for men as it is filled with action. We see the 1st battle in today’s reading after the crossing of the Jordan as God delivers to Joshua and the children of Israel Jericho in the most unusual of ways. All they are to do for 7 days is march in the way and manner that the Lord told them to march and at the end shout and charge. They were to then take the city but not take the stuff. Which leads us to a problem, at battle #2 Joshua sent spies to check out Ai but he does not consult with the Lord. He does according to what the spies tell him to do (send a few of the soldiers) and then after doing so the Israelites receive a good old-fashioned butt kicking. Joshua is upset over what happens and then goes to the Lord blaming Him for what has happened 7:7. How many times have we blamed God for what we have done and have never even asked God what we should have done as we have simply gone out on our own ideas? God lets Joshua know that there is sin in the camp and how to deal with it. Joshua deals with the sin. What struck me was that 36 people died because one man committed the sin of coveting, stealing and deceit. We often believe that our sin affects no one but ourselves but the truth is that our sin never affects only “just us”.
We will see in the defeat of Ai God gave specific directions concerning how many soldiers to send as well what the strategy of the battle should be. Let’s not forget to involve God on the issues of our lives. As believers He is the hub of our life and we are to never get off the hub.
It did seem extreme that a man's whole family was punished for his sin.
ReplyDeleteI agree that to us who live in sin it seems extreme but to God, who is holy, it reveals how serious God takes sin.
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