Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. – Joshua 8:1

Today's Scripture Reading (March 30, 2025): Joshua 8

Some battles are remembered only because of an unexpected result. The battle of Agincourt, which was part of the larger Hundred Years War, fought between 1337-1453 C.E., was fought on October 25, 1415. The battle should have been a French victory; the French went into the fight with superior numbers and an expectation of victory. However, the English, under Henry V's leadership, ended up winning the battle. Henry was able to win the battle against the larger numbers because the French underestimated the lethality of his longbowman, the distance at which these archers could strike, and the muddy terrain that disallowed any swift movement on the part of the French. I am not sure that even Henry expected to win, not if we believe the story that William Shakespeare handed down is in the least bit accurate. Still, Henry had a plan for victory, which seemed to be more than the French possessed; the latter seemed just to be depending on their superior numbers. Among the leaders, only Edward, the Duke of York, was killed on the English side, while the French lost all five of their military commanders, two who were killed and three who surrendered to the English forces. The Battle of Agincourt is remembered for the unexpected English win and the fact that superior numbers never outweigh the existence of a military strategy for battle.

As Israel went up against Ai for the first time, they depended on superior numbers and a healthy reputation for their victory. There is no doubt that sin inside the Israelite Camp was the main reason for their defeat, but they also seemed to go into the battle without a plan. Neither mistake could be repeated when Israel went up against Ai a second time. The second attack of the city would depend on an even more significant numerical advantage ["Take the whole army with you" (Joshua 8:1) vs. "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" (Joshua 7:3)]. And the second attack of Ai would entail a plan [Set an ambush behind the city (Joshua 8:2)]. Most importantly, this time God would be with them. 

This time, in faith, the people could expect a different result. Just as they had taken Jericho on faith, so would Ai fall before the God of Israel. It could never be about the numbers, military strength, or strategy. The most critical factor in the taking of Canaan was the presence of God.

That hasn't changed. We might be disappointed if we go into battle depending on the "stable genius" in our midst. The presence of sin and our willingness to do wrong things because someone has told us that is the way to win will always decide the battle in the favor of our enemies. But, in our weakness, God continues to be our strength.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Joshua 8