Joshua 7:5 - The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them, and they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent. The hearts of the people melted, and became like water.
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What does "Joshua 7:5" mean?
This verse from Joshua 7:5 describes a humiliating defeat for the Israelites after their initial, divinely-ordained victory at Jericho. Let's break down the meaning:
"The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them..." This is the core of the verse. The army of Ai, a smaller and less fortified city than Jericho, surprisingly defeats the Israelites. The number 36, while seemingly small, represents a significant loss of life and morale.
"...and they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim..." This highlights the scale of the defeat. The Israelites are not just repelled; they are routed, fleeing in disarray. Shebarim likely refers to a place or landmark where the pursuit ended, perhaps a place where the Israelites were finally able to escape.
"...and struck them at the descent." The phrase "at the descent" likely refers to a downward slope or a path leading down from the city of Ai. This suggests that the Israelites were particularly vulnerable during their retreat, making them easy targets for the pursuing Ai forces. The terrain worked against them.
"The hearts of the people melted, and became like water." This is the emotional crux of the verse. It signifies a complete collapse of morale and confidence. The defeat at Ai has utterly demoralized the Israelites. Their courage and faith, bolstered by the recent victory at Jericho, have evaporated. "Melting" and becoming "like water" are strong metaphors for fear, despair, and a loss of fighting spirit. It signifies a complete loss of courage and confidence in God's favor. They felt overwhelmed and helpless.
In essence, this verse is not just about a military defeat. It's about the profound psychological impact of that defeat on the Israelites. It sets the stage for the rest of Joshua chapter 7, where the reason for the defeat is revealed: Achan's disobedience to God's command during the conquest of Jericho (he took forbidden plunder). This defeat serves as a consequence and a crucial lesson for the Israelites about the importance of obedience and holiness in their conquest of the Promised Land.
Joshua 7:5 - The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them, and they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent. The hearts of the people melted, and became like water.
What does "Joshua 7:5" mean?
This verse from Joshua 7:5 describes a humiliating defeat for the Israelites after their initial, divinely-ordained victory at Jericho. Let's break down the meaning:
"The men of Ai struck about thirty-six men of them..." This is the core of the verse. The army of Ai, a smaller and less fortified city than Jericho, surprisingly defeats the Israelites. The number 36, while seemingly small, represents a significant loss of life and morale.
"...and they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim..." This highlights the scale of the defeat. The Israelites are not just repelled; they are routed, fleeing in disarray. Shebarim likely refers to a place or landmark where the pursuit ended, perhaps a place where the Israelites were finally able to escape.
"...and struck them at the descent." The phrase "at the descent" likely refers to a downward slope or a path leading down from the city of Ai. This suggests that the Israelites were particularly vulnerable during their retreat, making them easy targets for the pursuing Ai forces. The terrain worked against them.
"The hearts of the people melted, and became like water." This is the emotional crux of the verse. It signifies a complete collapse of morale and confidence. The defeat at Ai has utterly demoralized the Israelites. Their courage and faith, bolstered by the recent victory at Jericho, have evaporated. "Melting" and becoming "like water" are strong metaphors for fear, despair, and a loss of fighting spirit. It signifies a complete loss of courage and confidence in God's favor. They felt overwhelmed and helpless.
In essence, this verse is not just about a military defeat. It's about the profound psychological impact of that defeat on the Israelites. It sets the stage for the rest of Joshua chapter 7, where the reason for the defeat is revealed: Achan's disobedience to God's command during the conquest of Jericho (he took forbidden plunder). This defeat serves as a consequence and a crucial lesson for the Israelites about the importance of obedience and holiness in their conquest of the Promised Land.