Devotion April 28 - Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Sunday, April 28 – Joshua 7, 8 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 46, “The Blessings and the Curses”

Study Questions:

1. Since Ai was a smaller city than Jericho, what advice did the spies Joshua sent to investigate give him? Joshua 7:2, 3

2. When the Israelites assaulted Ai, what was the result? How many of Israel died in the attempt? Joshua 7:5

3. Distressed by the news, Joshua fell on his face before the Lord, but what did the Lord tell him? Joshua 7:10, 11

4. When the lot finally fell on Achan, what was his response? Joshua 7:19, 20

5. Do you think Achan’s response reveals deep and sincere repentance? If not, why?

6. Upon returning to the assault of Ai, what extraordinary military strategy did Joshua use to confuse the inhabitants of the city and finally take it? Joshua 8:1-22

7. After taking Ai, where did Joshua go and what did he do there? Joshua 8:30-35

Commentary and Reflection:

When reading about the capture of Jericho, we saw Israel’s victory based on divine direction and obedience. Archaeological findings have revealed that the way those walls fell was contrary to the typical manner of assaulting other cities. It is evident that it was the Lord who acted in His own way, Israel marched around the city over and over again; in the end, the blowing of the trumpets. Technically and militarily, it is impossible for this to have happened, but God works through mysterious and unique means.

Victory would be assured with only one condition; Israel would obey everything that God commanded them. Although it was customary to plunder defeated cities and distribute the spoils among the fighters, in this case, the order was clear, nothing would be taken because it was considered an offering to God in that first city of Canaan. Unfortunately, Achan took for himself, in secret, a few things. He then hid them in a hole he dug in the middle of his tent.

The result was not long in coming. In the assault on the next city, Ai, failure was total. The opposite of what was expected happened. Being defeated and fleeing from their enemies, Israel stood before the nations of the region as a cowardly and easy-to-defeat people. When Joshua consulted the Lord, the reason came to light, there was anathema in the camp.

Achan’s behavior during the search was shameful. Although he knew that God was aware of what he had done, nevertheless, he remained silent. He remained so as the circle closed more and more around him, until finally the search fell on his own house. It was then that he admitted his fault. Can this be considered an earnest confession?

Perhaps one might think that God was too harsh in punishing his family as well. Were they innocent? How could they be unaware of the hole dug in the center of the tent, usually a single room dwelling, to bury the items taken in Jericho? There are times when God has had to act seemingly harshly to protect greater values, such as the respectability of the nation. Israel would have lost the courage they so desperately needed to conquer Canaan.

I believe the lesson still applies today. Brothers and sisters, one does not play games with God. For Him, the integrity of His children is worth more than all the riches of the world.

Do not miss out on Joshua’s great adventures in the conquest of the Promised Land. It is an epic of courage and trust in God.

May God richly bless you on this day.

Pastor Rolando de los Rios

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Sunday, April 28 – Joshua 7, 8 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 46, “The Blessings and the Curses”

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Sunday, April 28 – Joshua 7, 8 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 46, “The Blessings and the Curses”

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