Victory At Ai

by David Smith, Ayr, UK | Category: General | Jul 1986

No doubt Joshua's heart, like the heart of the people, "melted and became as water" when he rent his clothes and fell to the earth before the ark of the Lord following the tragic defeat of Israel before the men of Ai.

For God's people to suffer defeat is a solemn and heartsearching experience, as it was before Achan was tracked down and his sin put away in the death of the offender, before the Lord would continue with the people. Perhaps Joshua, having carried out the divine sentence of judgement, remained subdued, uncertain as to what the future would be, until the Lord said to him, "Fear not, neither be thou dismayed ... I have given into thine hand the king of Al, and his people, and his city, and his land" (Joshua 8:1). God does not retain His anger but blesses where judgement has been

effected, encouraging and reassuring all whom He calls to His work and service.

The military stratagem which Joshua applied in the conquest of Al ranks among the most brilliant on record in the history of Israel. Their previous defeat he used to advantage, although on this occasion the Lord was working with them. Nevertheless they had to organize themselves and arrange their movements, and that they did with skill and diligence. But the success of their campaign hinged on one particular instruction given by the Lord when He said to Joshua,

"Stretch out the javelin that is in thine hand toward Al; for I will give it into thine hand". (Joshua 8:18). No doubt Joshua was thinking little of having the city in his hand as in the heat of the battle he clutched tensely to this primitive weapon. But like every wise hearted servant of God he acted instantly on the divine instruction and "stretched out the javelin that was in his hand" toward the city.

Dear saint of God, what are you clutching in the heat of the battle? What weapon, object or utensil cleaves to the palm of your hand? Is it the precious holy Scriptures by which men are blessed for all eternity? Is it the pen by which His will and comfort is communicated to others in need, or just a colouring pencil for the very young in the Sunday school, or the ordinary domestic dish that betokens the kindly hospitality of a Bethany home where the saints of God may be refreshed and strengthened for their journey? Beloved whatever we hold or are capable of holding, however paltry or unpolished, surely the Lord instructs us to stretch it out or extend it to the full, just as He said to Joshua. For an increase in our spiritual possessions and the expansion of God's Israel today depends on our stretching out to the objective which is according to the will of God and the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Joshua's resounding victory at Ai was assured by his steadfastness of purpose, for he "drew not back his hand wherewith he stretched out the javelin" (Joshua 8:26). He was deeply conscious of the danger involved in drawing back. Well would he remember that solemn night in the camp of Israel, forty years before, when the people drew back from entering the land at Kadesh Barnea and in heart longed to return to Egypt. That night they wept, putting the blame on God's good servant Moses, and calling into question the working of Jehovah, while only Caleb and Joshua fully followed the Lord.

Many an illustrious life has ended under a cloud, having "drawn back". Solomon and many of the kings of Judah come readily to mind as well as Demas, not to mention saints of our own day who for a while have "stretched out" with all their might, but for some reason have grown weary on the way, or perhaps under the pressure of life have transferred their energy to another interest. How solemn in view of the very little time we may have that God says, if one shrink back "My soul hath no pleasure in him". May our response be in truth, "we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition: but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul" (Heb. 10:39).

David Smith, Ayr, UK | Jul 1986
General