The Conquering of Ai

Northwest Bible Church – Sept. 22, 2024 – Joshua – Alan Conner

Joshua 8

The Conquering of Ai

Intro

A.  VICTORY PROMISED, BATTLE PLANS SET (Joshua 8:1-2).

1. Location of Ai.    

2. God is in control (Joshua 8:1-2, 18).   

3. The spoils of war (Joshua 8:2, 27).    

B.  JOSHUA RELAYS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE AMBUSH (Joshua 8:3-9).

1. Two ambush parties?

2. 30,000 the total number in the army, and 5,000 was the ambush?

C.  THE PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE (Joshua 8:10-13).

 

1.  Army to the north

2.  Ambush to the west

D.  THE BATTLE, THE AMBUSH AND THE VICTORY (Joshua 8:14-29).

1. God orchestrated the victory and it worked perfectly.   

2. The righteous judgment of God (Joshua 7:29).    

E.  THE  COVENANT RENEWAL (Joshua 8:30-35).

1. Fulfilling Moses’ command (Deut. 27:4-5).   

2. Shechem

3. Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim.   

4. Activities:

 

F. TWO FORESHADOWINGS OF CHRIST.

1. The curse on the king of Ai (Joshua 7:29).   Cf. Deut. 21:22-23 and Gal. 3:13

2. The altar on Mt. Ebal.

 

Discussion questions:  What practical lessons can we learn about the conquering of Ai?  What do we learn about God’s involvement in this victory?   Why was the covenant renewal at Shechem important?  How is Christ foreshadowed in these events?