by:
08/15/2025
0
“Do not fear and do not be dismayed” (8:1). After the disastrous first attempt at capturing the city of Ai, God encouraged the Israelites to try again. He gave Joshua a new plan that succeeded and established Israel firmly within the Promised Land. Joshua and the people honored God’s faithfulness with “an altar of uncut stones” (8:31), and the covenant was written again “on the stones” (8:32).
“The Lord your God will give it into your hand” (8:7). God kept his commitment to His people despite their failed start, because He keeps his promises even when we do not (2 Tim 2:13). His generous blessing extends to the whole “assembly” who put their trust in him, including the “sojourners” (foreigners), and “little ones” (8:35).