They tasted defeat because disobedience broke their fellowship with God.
“The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water.” (Joshua 7:5)
In the aftermath of Israel’s victorious battle at Jericho, Joshua led his forces against the nearby city of Ai, located east of Bethel in the land of Canaan. Although Ai was considerably smaller than Jericho, the Israelites were shockingly repelled when “the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men” (v.5). This dire result was inseparable from hidden sin in the Israelite camp, as Achan’s disobedience led to the loss of divine favor. Historically, this period of Joshua’s leadership occurred around 1406-1380 BC, in the early phase of Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land.
The defeated Israelite soldiers fled as Ai’s inhabitants “pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent” (v.5). Shebarim’s exact location is not specified in Scripture, but it apparently lay along the route of retreat, allowing the men of Ai to press their advantage and cut down the fleeing troops. This reversal of fortune contrasted sharply with the miraculous triumphs Israel had seen earlier, emphasizing that the LORD’s blessing depended on obedience rather than military might.
Finally, the verse notes that “the hearts of the people melted and became as water” (v.5). Fear and despair replaced Israel’s confidence because they realized that their strength lay not in numbers, but in their covenant relationship with God. The humiliating defeat shattered their morale, preparing them to discover and correct the unfaithfulness that had brought about the disaster (Joshua 7:10-25). In God’s plan, uncovering sin was the necessary step before continuing the conquest of Canaan.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 7:5 meaning
“The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water.” (Joshua 7:5)
In the aftermath of Israel’s victorious battle at Jericho, Joshua led his forces against the nearby city of Ai, located east of Bethel in the land of Canaan. Although Ai was considerably smaller than Jericho, the Israelites were shockingly repelled when “the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men” (v.5). This dire result was inseparable from hidden sin in the Israelite camp, as Achan’s disobedience led to the loss of divine favor. Historically, this period of Joshua’s leadership occurred around 1406-1380 BC, in the early phase of Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land.
The defeated Israelite soldiers fled as Ai’s inhabitants “pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent” (v.5). Shebarim’s exact location is not specified in Scripture, but it apparently lay along the route of retreat, allowing the men of Ai to press their advantage and cut down the fleeing troops. This reversal of fortune contrasted sharply with the miraculous triumphs Israel had seen earlier, emphasizing that the LORD’s blessing depended on obedience rather than military might.
Finally, the verse notes that “the hearts of the people melted and became as water” (v.5). Fear and despair replaced Israel’s confidence because they realized that their strength lay not in numbers, but in their covenant relationship with God. The humiliating defeat shattered their morale, preparing them to discover and correct the unfaithfulness that had brought about the disaster (Joshua 7:10-25). In God’s plan, uncovering sin was the necessary step before continuing the conquest of Canaan.