This verse is from Joshua 8:5, part of the account of the Israelites' strategy to conquer the city of Ai. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"I and all the people who are with me will approach to the city." Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, is speaking. He's saying that he and a contingent of soldiers will march towards Ai. This is the initial step in their plan.
"It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first..." This refers back to the previous (failed) attempt to capture Ai (Joshua 7). In that battle, the Israelites were defeated because of Achan's sin. Now, Joshua anticipates that the people of Ai will react in the same way they did before: they will come out to attack.
"...that we will flee before them." This is the crucial part of the strategy. Joshua and his initial force will intentionally retreat, appearing to be defeated and running away from Ai. This is a feigned retreat, designed to lure the army of Ai away from their fortified city.
In essence, Joshua is outlining a plan for a classic military feint. The Israelites will intentionally make themselves look vulnerable to draw the enemy out of their defenses. This will leave the city exposed and vulnerable to a hidden ambush.
The purpose of this verse is to explain part of Joshua's war strategy to conquer Ai. The plan involves a deceptive maneuver to exploit the enemy's overconfidence and create an opportunity for the main Israelite force (which is hidden) to attack.
This verse is from Joshua 8:5, part of the account of the Israelites' strategy to conquer the city of Ai. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"I and all the people who are with me will approach to the city." Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, is speaking. He's saying that he and a contingent of soldiers will march towards Ai. This is the initial step in their plan.
"It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first..." This refers back to the previous (failed) attempt to capture Ai (Joshua 7). In that battle, the Israelites were defeated because of Achan's sin. Now, Joshua anticipates that the people of Ai will react in the same way they did before: they will come out to attack.
"...that we will flee before them." This is the crucial part of the strategy. Joshua and his initial force will intentionally retreat, appearing to be defeated and running away from Ai. This is a feigned retreat, designed to lure the army of Ai away from their fortified city.
In essence, Joshua is outlining a plan for a classic military feint. The Israelites will intentionally make themselves look vulnerable to draw the enemy out of their defenses. This will leave the city exposed and vulnerable to a hidden ambush.
The purpose of this verse is to explain part of Joshua's war strategy to conquer Ai. The plan involves a deceptive maneuver to exploit the enemy's overconfidence and create an opportunity for the main Israelite force (which is hidden) to attack.