Read Joshua 7 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
6:27-7:1 {s} YHVH was with Joshua, but Israel took of what was devoted to YHVH
7:2-26 {p} Defeat at Ai, because of the sin of Achan in the devoted things
Joshua 6:27-7:26 Chiastic Structure:
What an unusual central axis, the lament of Joshua. Since Chiastic Structures zero in on the central axis like an arrow, I asked my Teacher, the Spirit of Truth, why is Joshua’s lament the central axis?
You see, God had given Joshua a difficult mission, to cross the Jordan, and take possession of Canaan for the children of Israel. God had already shown him His favor and power in the drying up of the Jordan.
But, we are fallible humans, who are entrusted with God’s mission. It is inevitable that mistakes, even sins, will happen to gum up the works. And when it does, our temptation is to cry out like Joshua, Why did I ever embark on this? Why couldn’t I have been content to remain as I was?
The 1st generation of the children of Israel fell into this trap over and over again, when they cried out, every time they came to an obstacle or a lack, Why couldn’t we have remained in Egypt?
Sure, remaining where we are is easier, but it does not advance of the kingdom of God.
If there are questions, this is a good resource:
Digging for Truth: Finding the Lost City of Ai, part one – Associates for Biblical Research
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