I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Joshua 8-9.

    The second attack on Ai gives us an insight into Joshua as a military commander. Despite the initial loss being attributed to God’s judgment over the sin of Achan, Joshua chose not only to take the entire Israelite army this time, but set up an ambush as well. His plan, which worked to perfection, was to draw all of the defenders out of the city by having his main force appear to be routed. Meanwhile, a force of 30,000, who had camped on the other side of Ai the night before attacked the city and a force of 5,000, sent out during the night, positioned themselves between the army of Ai and the city (at least, that is the way I read it).

    The second part of today’s passage recounts how the Gibeonites tricked the Israelites into making a treaty with them. We should take note of chapter 9 verse 14: “So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.” The Israelites failure was not that they applied reason in their attempt to verify the Gibeonites story of being from a distant land. Their failure was in not relying on God to direct their reasoning. We need to use our reasoning, but still turn to God for guidance. If we seek God’s guidance He will show us the flaws in our reasoning and help us reach the correct conclusion.