Bible Commentaries
Joshua 8

Verses 1-35

As the result of the severity of the discipline exercised in the case of Achan, the nation returned to obedience, and consequently Jehovah immediately uttered the word of reassurance to Joshua and the campaign moved victoriously forward.

The story of the taking of Ai is one of brilliant military strategy. Thus again the fact was brought into prominence that in prosecuting the work of Jehovah there must ever be a recognition of the value and use of the best in human reason. Strategy without obedience is useless. Obedience includes the use of reason, the employment of common sense, and in a campaign such as that on which Joshua was engaged the employment of strategic methods.

Once more the first victories being won and the gates of entrance to the whole country being secured, Joshua paused to fulfil religious duties.

Among the final instructions given to the people by Moses were those which provided for setting up great stones on which the words of the law were to be written, the erection of an altar on Mount Ebal, the offering of sacrifices, and the uttering of the blessings and curses as appointed. These instructions were now being carried out by Joshua.