Year of the Bible: Part Four of Twelve Sample

The Next Generation.

The first battle at Ai was a disaster because Joshua assumed they would win without asking God for strategy. There was also sin in the camp because Achan had taken plunder. After the second battle in Ai, Joshua led the people to the region where Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim faced each other.

You may remember that Moses told the next generation of Israelites to renew their covenant with God once they entered the promised land. He didn't say when they had to do the ceremony, but he did tell them where to do it, in the mountains near Ai. After the battle there, Joshua gathered the people and followed Moses' directions. They built an altar, made sacrifices to God, and Joshua copied Moses's laws on two large stones covered in plaster in front of the whole assembly.

Half of the people stood on Mt. Ebal and the other half on Mt. Gerizim. The two hills form a natural amphitheater, so they could hear each other perfectly as they shouted the blessings from Mt. Gerizim and shouted the curses from Mt. Ebal. Hearing the reminder of the law must have been refreshing and renewing to their hearts. They had two victories under their belt and a sober reminder that obedience to the Lord was essential! Achan's death was a solid reminder to obey the Lord's instructions fully. Full adherence to God's word was not optional.

It is also interesting to note that this story mentions resident aliens twice. These were likely descendants of the non-Israelite people who came with them from Egypt, and most notably, Rahab and her family were present. This had to have been the first time that they would have heard all the promises of God! The Baker Illustrated Bible reminds us that the presence of these aliens shows the Lord's willingness to extend His grace to all who will put their faith in Him. Rahab had believed by faith and stepped out to follow the one true God.

Question: Are you quick to return to the Lord when you mess up, remembering that He is always ready to extend mercy?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for His mercy and talk with Him about ways you have wandered from Him. Bring any sins to His feet and ask for His goodness to cover them. Take some time to renew your relationship with God.