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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 7:1–5. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The story of this chapter begins with a but. The Lord was with Joshua, and his fame was noised through all that country, so the foregoing chapter ends, and it left no room to doubt but that he would go on as he had begun conquering and to conquer. He did right, and observed his orders in every thing. But the children of Israel committed a trespass, and so set God against them; and then even Joshua's name and fame, his wisdom and courage, could do them no service. If we lose our God, we lose our friends, who cannot help us unless God be for us. Now here is,
I.Achan sinning, Jos 7:1.
Here is only a general mention made of the sin; we shall afterwards have a more particular account of it from his own mouth. The sin is here said to be taking of the accursed thing, in disobedience to the command and in defiance of the threatening, Jos 6:18. In the sacking of Jericho orders were given that they should neither spare any lives nor take any treasure to themselves; we read not of the breach of the former prohibition (there were none to whom they showed any mercy), but of the latter: compassion was put off and yielded to the law, but covetousness was indulged. The love of the world is that root of bitterness which of all others is most hardly rooted up. Yet the history of Achan is a plain intimation that he of all the thousands of Israel was the only delinquent in this matter. Had there been more in like manner guilty, no doubt we should have heard of it: and it is strange there were no more. The temptation was strong. It was easy to suggest what a pity it was that so many things of value should be burnt; to what purpose is this waste? In plundering cities, every man reckons himself entitled to what he can lay his hands on. It was easy to promise themselves secrecy and impunity. Yet by the grace of God such impressions were made upon the minds of the Israelites by the ordinances of God, circumcision and the passover, which they had lately been partakers of, and by the providences of God which had been concerning them, that they stood in awe of the divine precept and judgment, and generously denied themselves in obedience to their God. And yet, though it was a single person that sinned, the children of Israel are said to commit the trespass, because one of their body did it, and he was not as yet separated from them, nor disowned by them. They did it, that is, by what Achan did guilt was brought upon the whole society of which he was a member. This should be a warning to us to take heed of sin ourselves, lest by it many be defiled or disquieted (Heb 12:15), and to take heed of having fellowship with sinners, and of being in league with them, lest we share in their guilt. Many a careful tradesman has been broken by a careless partner. And it concerns us to watch over one another for the preventing of sin, because others' sins may redound to our damage.
II.The camp of Israel suffering for the same:
The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel; he saw the offence, though they did not, and takes a course to make them see it; for one way or other, sooner or later, secret sins will be brought to light; and, if men enquire not after them, God will, and with his enquiries will awaken theirs. man a community is under guilt and wrath and is not aware of it till the fire breaks out: here it broke out quickly.
1.Joshua sends a detachment to seize upon the next city that was in their way, and that was Ai. Only 3000 men were sent, advice being brought him by his spies that the place was inconsiderable, and needed no greater force for the reduction of it, Jos 7:2, Jos 7:3. Now perhaps it was a culpable assurance, or security rather that led them to send so small a party on this expedition; it might also be an indulgence of the people in the love of ease, for they will not have all the people to labour thither. Perhaps the people were the less forward to go upon this expedition because they were denied the plunder of Jericho; and these spies were willing they should be gratified. Whereas when the town was to be taken, though God by his own power would throw down the walls, yet they must all labour thither and labour there too, in walking round it. It did not bode well at all that God's Israel began to think much of their labour, and contrived how to spare their pains. It is required that we work out our salvation, though it is God that works in us. It has likewise often proved of bad consequence to make too light of an enemy. They are but few (say the spies), but, as few as they were, they were too many for them. It will awaken our care and diligence in our Christian warfare to consider that we wrestle with principalities and powers.
2.The party he sent, in their first attack upon the town, were repulsed with some loss (Jos 7:4, Jos 7:5): They fled before the men of Ai, finding themselves unaccountably dispirited, and their enemies to sally out upon them with more vigour and resolution than they expected. In their retreat they had about thirty-six men cut off: no great loss indeed out of such a number, but a dreadful surprise to those who had no reason to expect any other in any attack than clear, cheap, and certain victory. And now, as it proves, it is well there were but 3000 that fell under this disgrace. Had the body of the army been there, they would have been no more able to keep their ground, now they were under guilt and wrath, than this small party, and to them the defeat would have been much more grievous and dishonourable. However, it was bad enough as it was, and served,
(1.)To humble God's Israel, and to teach them always to rejoice with trembling. Let not him that girdeth on the harness boast as he that putteth if off.
(2.)To harden the Canaanites, and to make them the more secure notwithstanding the terrors they had been struck with, that their ruin, when it came, might be the more dreadful.
(3.)To be an evidence of God's displeasure against Israel, and a call to them to purge out the old leaven. And this was principally intended in their defeat.
3.The retreat of this party in disorder put the whole camp of Israel into a fright: The hearts of the people melted, not so much for the loss as for the disappointment. Joshua had assured them that the living God would without fail drive out the Canaanites from before them, Jos 3:10. How can this event be reconciled to that promise? To every thinking man among them it appeared an indication of God's displeasure, and an omen of something worse, and therefore no marvel it put them into such a consternation; if God turn to be their enemy and fight against them, what will become of them? True Israelites tremble when God is angry.
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Summary
Following the miraculous and divinely orchestrated victory at Jericho, Joshua 7:2 marks a crucial turning point as Joshua dispatches a reconnaissance team from Jericho to scout the city of Ai. This seemingly routine military maneuver, initiated by human wisdom rather than explicit divine command, sets the immediate stage for Israel's unexpected and humbling defeat, revealing the profound consequences of unaddressed sin within the community and highlighting the critical distinction between human strategy and divine guidance in the conquest of Canaan.
Context
Literary Context
Joshua 7:2 immediately follows the triumphant and divinely empowered fall of Jericho, detailed in Joshua 6. The narrative abruptly shifts from a scenario where God's unique strategy was paramount to a human-initiated military assessment. This verse directly precedes the spies' overconfident report in Joshua 7:3, which subsequently leads to Israel's disastrous first attempt to conquer Ai. Crucially, the reader is already aware of Achan's transgression in Joshua 7:1, creating significant dramatic irony as Joshua proceeds with human plans, unaware of the divine disfavor that has already settled upon Israel. This sets up a profound contrast between the previous divinely-orchestrated victory and the impending human-led failure.
Historical & Cultural Context
The practice of sending spies or reconnaissance teams was a common and prudent military tactic throughout the ancient Near East. Leaders routinely dispatched agents to gather critical intelligence on enemy fortifications, troop strength, and terrain, a strategy seen earlier when Moses sent spies into Canaan. Ai was strategically located in the central hill country, guarding a major pass that led into the heartland of Canaan. Its proximity to Bethel ("house of God") and Bethaven ("house of vanity" or "wickedness," likely a derogatory reference to Bethel or a nearby idolatrous site) underscores its importance in controlling key access routes. The Israelites, now established in the Jordan Valley after the conquest of Jericho, were poised to move into the highlands, making Ai a logical and militarily sound next target for their westward expansion.
Key Themes
This verse introduces and develops several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the book of Joshua. It highlights the tension between human strategy and divine guidance, powerfully contrasting the detailed divine instructions provided for Jericho with Joshua's seemingly independent decision to scout Ai. It also underscores the theme of reconnaissance and preparation, demonstrating a conventional military approach that, in this instance, proves insufficient. Most significantly, Joshua 7:2 sets the stage for the overarching theme of the consequences of sin, as the subsequent defeat at Ai is directly linked to Achan's transgression, a sin unknown to Joshua at this point but already actively incurring God's judgment. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even after great victories, God's continued favor is contingent upon the obedience and purity of His people, a lesson that reverberates throughout the book of Joshua and beyond, echoing the later call for Israel to choose whom they will serve.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The verb שָׁלַח (H7971, shâlach) means "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." Here, it denotes Joshua's authoritative action in dispatching a mission. It highlights his role as military commander, taking initiative after the Jericho victory. However, unlike the explicit divine command to "send" the ark around Jericho, this "sending" appears to be purely a human strategic decision, subtly hinting at a shift in the source of initiative from divine to human.
The word רָגַל (H7270, râgal) means "to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e. slander); to lead about; backbite, search, slander, (e-) spy (out), teach to go, view." In this context, it implies a careful, often clandestine, observation with the intent of gathering intelligence. This is the same root used for the spies sent by Moses into Canaan. The repetition of "went up and viewed Ai" emphasizes the thoroughness, or perceived thoroughness, of their reconnaissance, which ironically leads to an underestimation of the enemy's strength in light of Israel's spiritual state.
The name עַי (H5857, ʻAy) literally means "the ruin" or "the heap of ruins." This name is remarkably prophetic, as the city would indeed become a ruin after its eventual conquest. Its strategic location "beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel" places it firmly in the central hill country, controlling vital routes and making its capture essential for Israel's westward expansion. The name itself, "the ruin," subtly foreshadows the initial defeat Israel will suffer there.
Verse Breakdown
"And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai"
This clause establishes the immediate action taken by Joshua following the Jericho campaign. It signifies a transition from the divinely directed siege of Jericho to a more conventional military operation. The departure from Jericho underscores the forward momentum of the conquest, but also a shift in methodology.
"which [is] beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel"
This provides crucial geographical markers for Ai. Bethaven (H1007, "house of vanity") is likely a derogatory reference to Bethel (H1008, "house of God"), a significant cultic site. Placing Ai "on the east side of Bethel" pinpoints its strategic location in the central highlands, indicating its importance as a gateway to the interior of Canaan and a key target for securing the region.
"and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country."
This reveals Joshua's direct command and the explicit purpose of the mission: reconnaissance. The phrase "Go up" indicates the necessary ascent from the Jordan Valley to the higher elevation of the central hill country. "View the country" implies a broad assessment of the terrain and enemy defenses, a standard military procedure aimed at gathering intelligence for strategic planning.
"And the men went up and viewed Ai."
This confirms the immediate execution of Joshua's command. The repetition of the verb "viewed" (from râgal) emphasizes the act of scouting, setting the stage for their subsequent report and the fateful decision based on their human assessment rather than on explicit divine counsel, unknowingly leading to a disastrous outcome due to unaddressed sin.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future events. Foreshadowing is prominent, as Joshua's human initiative in sending spies, notably without an explicit divine command (unlike the detailed instructions for Jericho), subtly prefigures the upcoming defeat. This creates a powerful juxtaposition between God's unique, miraculous strategy employed at Jericho and the conventional human military planning adopted for Ai. The precise geographical detail ("beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel") grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, enhancing its verisimilitude and highlighting the strategic importance of Ai as a gateway to the central highlands. Furthermore, the repetition of the verb "viewed" (from the Hebrew root ragal) emphasizes the act of reconnaissance, drawing attention to the human effort and assessment that will ultimately prove insufficient in the face of unaddressed sin within the Israelite camp.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joshua 7:2 serves as a subtle yet profound theological pivot, shifting the narrative from overwhelming divine intervention to a moment where human strategy takes precedence, albeit unknowingly, in the shadow of unaddressed sin. It underscores the vital truth that even after experiencing great victories through God's power, continued success and divine favor are not automatic but remain contingent upon the community's obedience and purity. The decision to send spies, while militarily sound, highlights a subtle departure from the direct, explicit divine guidance that characterized the fall of Jericho. This sets the stage for a critical lesson: God's people must not presume upon His blessing or rely solely on human wisdom, no matter how logical, when there is unconfessed sin in the camp. True victory, in God's economy, is always rooted in His presence and favor, which are jeopardized by disobedience. This passage powerfully illustrates that divine power is not a blank check for human endeavors, but is inextricably linked to the covenant faithfulness of His people.
Reflection and Application
Joshua 7:2 offers a potent lesson for believers today, reminding us that even after experiencing significant spiritual victories, vigilance and continued, humble reliance on God are paramount. The apparent prudence of sending spies, a logical military step, becomes a symbol of human self-reliance when contrasted with the direct divine intervention at Jericho. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and communities: Are we moving forward based solely on past successes or human wisdom, neglecting to seek God's specific guidance for new endeavors? Are there hidden "Achans" in our lives – unconfessed sins, unaddressed idols, or areas of disobedience – that might hinder God's blessing, even if our plans seem sound? This passage calls us to a deeper level of dependence, recognizing that true success and spiritual progress flow from God's unhindered presence and favor, not merely from efficient planning or past triumphs. We are called to cultivate a posture of constant seeking and obedience, ensuring that our strategies are always aligned with His will and that our hearts are pure before Him, understanding that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joshua send spies to Ai when God gave specific instructions for Jericho?
The text does not explicitly state that God commanded Joshua to send spies to Ai, unlike the detailed, miraculous instructions given for Jericho in Joshua 6. This suggests that Joshua's decision to send spies was a conventional military strategy, based on human prudence and experience, rather than a direct divine directive. While not inherently wrong in itself, this shift in initiative becomes profoundly significant in light of the hidden sin of Achan (revealed in Joshua 7:1), which had already caused God's disfavor to rest upon Israel. The absence of an explicit divine command for the Ai campaign highlights a subtle but critical distinction between the unique, miraculous victory at Jericho, where God was clearly leading every step, and the subsequent, human-led approach that would lead to failure due to unaddressed sin in the camp.
What is the significance of the geographical details mentioned in this verse?
The verse mentions Ai's location "beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel." These details are crucial for understanding the strategic importance of Ai in the broader conquest narrative. Bethel ("house of God") was a well-known and significant city, a prominent cultic site and a key landmark. Bethaven ("house of vanity" or "house of iniquity") was likely a derogatory name for Bethel, reflecting a theological judgment on its idolatrous practices, or it could refer to a nearby, distinct town. By placing Ai in relation to these cities, the text highlights its position in the central hill country of Canaan. Ai controlled a major pass and access route into the interior, making its capture essential for Israel to divide and conquer the land effectively. This geographical precision underscores the military logic of targeting Ai next, even as the spiritual reality of Achan's sin was undermining Israel's efforts and divine favor.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joshua 7:2, with its subtle tension between human strategy and divine guidance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The failure at Ai, born from human presumption and the presence of sin within the camp, powerfully foreshadows humanity's inherent inability to achieve true victory or spiritual conquest through its own efforts. Just as Joshua's men "viewed the country" of Ai, so too did the Son of God, the true and greater Joshua, "view" the fallen "country" of humanity. However, unlike the spies who returned with an overconfident assessment, Jesus came fully aware of the depth of human depravity and the pervasive nature of sin, as described in Romans 3:23. He did not rely on human strategy or military might to accomplish His mission, but on perfect obedience to His Father's will, even unto death on the cross, as detailed in Philippians 2:8. The defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin points to the necessity of a perfect sacrifice to deal with sin once and for all, a role fulfilled by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Through Christ's victory on the cross, He conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness, securing a spiritual conquest far greater than any territorial gain, ushering in a new covenant where true success is found not in human planning but in His finished work and the indwelling of His Spirit, as promised in John 16:33. He is the one who perfectly relies on divine command, ensuring ultimate and eternal victory for all who are found in Him.