This passage is a perfect example of a pattern set throughout Joshua. At Jericho, the Israelites were obedient and faithful, and therefore gloriously victorious over their enemy. But then, they (or at least one of their number) was drawn to sin, and broke the covenant with the Lord. They were to take nothing and keep nothing from the people they conquered, lest it drew them astray. See how Achan's sin began when he saw the cloak from Shinar and the gold and silver, but it grew to not only theft but lying and deceiving those around him when he hid them beneath his tent. Because of the sin amongst them, the Israelites failed in the endeavor to take Ai, which should have been easy. It wasn't until the sin was routed out and dealt with before the Israelites gained victory over their enemies. And quite an impressive one, wasn't it? It showed great military strategy, they way they drew out their enemy, surrounded them, and gave them no place to go. Not only did they win, but they set an example before which other towns in Canaan would tremble.
We'll see throughout much of this book this pattern emerging: obedience gaining victory, unfaithfulness resulting in defeat. We can see that in our own lives, though, can't we? It's not the paradox where we try to curry favor with God so that He'll bless us in whatever we want to do. Rather, when we are being obedient to God, we are more closely following His will, seeking the things He blesses us in. It's like the verse in Psalms, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He'll give you the desires of your heart." If you are truly delighting yourself in the Lord, your main desire will be Him, and He will bless you.
Tomorrow's Reading: Joshua 9:1-10:15
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