PERPLEXED IN PRAYER
Opening Prayer
Here’s my day, Lord, have Your way in it. I need Your perspective in every area of my life.
Read Joshua 7:1–9
Achan’s Sin
7 But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things[a]; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri,[b] the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.
2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.
3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.” 4 So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Alas, Sovereign Lord, why did you ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 8 Pardon your servant, Lord. What can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies? 9 The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. What then will you do for your own great name?”
Footnotes
A. Joshua 7:1 The Hebrew term refers to the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them; also in verses 11, 12, 13 and 15.
B. Joshua 7:1 See Septuagint and 1 Chron. 2:6; Hebrew Zabdi; also in verses 17 and 18.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is troubling or confusing in your life right now?How quickly a victory can turn into a defeat! The overthrow of Jericho was a high point in Israel’s entry into the Promised Land (Joshua 6:20). Yet like their forefathers they needed to learn that the grace of God was not to be taken lightly. To presume on God’s kindness quickly leads to disaster.
Achan had failed Joshua’s command not to take the spoils of war (1). This covetous act led to God’s wrath against the nation. It meant Israel’s defeat by the people of Ai (4, 5). No wonder their hearts melted in fear (5).
Joshua did not know the reason for Israel’s defeat, but he did know God’s name and honor were at stake (6–9). His response is a model of what to do when setbacks come upon us – turn to God in open and honest prayer. Such prayer recognizes that even if we don’t understand the ‘why’ of difficult times, we can know the ‘Who’ to whom we can turn. Only then can new perspectives and understandings emerge.
Apply
Reflect on Psalm 62:8: ‘Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge’ (NIV). Consider a difficult situation that you are currently facing and bring it to the Lord.
Closing prayer
I praise You, God, for being my refuge. Help me to trust You more deeply.
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