‘When defeat is turned back into victory’ (Joshua 8:1-29)

Soon after Joshua’s defeat at Ai as a result of Achan’s sin, Joshua 8:1-29 tells of how God helped Joshua overcome the bitter taste of defeat and renew his fight against the people of Ai. He did this, first, by giving Joshua encouragement in the same terms in which his call to service had been given. Then, he gave to Joshua a strategy that would work. This strategy would require Joshua to be brave and all Israel to work together. He also gave Joshua success in the battle as Joshua learned to trust God’s plan and yield himself to it. Failure is no barrier to service in God’s Kingdom and Joshua proved that those who trust in the Lord and obey will know His blessing. In this way he points us to the greater Joshua, the Lord Jesus.