The Beginning: After Israel’s victory at Jericho, they turn toward Ai, a smaller city in the hill country. Scouts advise Joshua that only a limited force is needed, but Israel is unexpectedly defeated and some are killed. Joshua mourns before the LORD, asking why Israel has suffered failure after crossing into the land.
The Middle: The LORD reveals that Israel has broken covenant by taking items devoted to destruction from Jericho, bringing guilt upon the community. Through a process of selection by tribes, clans, and households, Achan is identified as the one who took forbidden spoil and hid it in his tent. Achan confesses, and the stolen items are recovered, confirming the violation. Achan and what belonged to him are judged, and the place becomes a memorial warning against covenant unfaithfulness.
The End: With the sin addressed, the LORD assures Joshua of renewed presence and commands Israel to attack Ai again. Joshua uses an ambush strategy: part of the force draws Ai out, while another enters and burns the city. Israel defeats Ai’s king and secures victory, restoring momentum in the conquest narrative and reaffirming that success depends on obedience to the LORD.
This account presents the LORD as faithful to His covenant promises yet uncompromising about covenant holiness. Achan’s hidden act is treated not as a private mistake but as a breach that affects the whole people, showing the corporate dimension of Israel’s covenant life. Judgment and mercy are held together: sin is exposed and removed, and then the LORD renews His guidance and grants victory. The story emphasizes that Israel’s possession of the land is not merely military but theological—grounded in God’s presence and the people’s covenant fidelity.
The narrative reflects a common ancient Near Eastern concept of items being “devoted” to a deity (Hebrew ḥērem), meaning they were set apart and not to be taken for personal gain. In Israel’s context, this practice underscored that the victory belonged to the LORD and that certain spoils were not ordinary property. The described ambush at Ai also fits well with known ancient tactics for drawing defenders out of a fortified site before striking from a hidden position.
“Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them.” — Joshua 7:11
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Why did Israel initially suffer defeat at Ai?
2. What strategy did Joshua use when Israel attacked Ai again?