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| Joshua leads the Israelites across river Jordan. |
- Brian Mendonca
My recent involvement with the church bulletin team of our parish has been a winner in many ways for me. I sharpen my editing skills; I handle my time better, and I am in the company of the Bible - for there is always something to double check. God has found a new way to get back into my life. The transformative power is welcome at this time of Lent. Specially since leisure time is usually frittered away in things of the world.
While creating content for our parish bulletin I came across the lines 'Do not fear or be discouraged' that the Lord uses to stir Joshua to prevail over the king of Ai. The quotation from Joshua 8:1 is apt for any time of our lives. When we are besieged by circumstances it is helpful to know the Lord is near.
In Joshua 8 the Lord counsels Joshua how to set up an ambush against the forces of Ai (Canaan). The decoy troop of 5000 soldiers baits the soldiers of Ai and draws them out of the city of Ai. Once, away from the security of their city, another troop of 30,000 Israelites swoop on the soldiers and cut off their escape route back to the city. The soldiers burn the city. Joshua takes Ai, and hangs the king of Ai. (Joshua 8:1-29 )
The incident has often been quoted as an example of how the Lord helps his chosen people, in this case the Israelites. Joshua (1355-1245 BCE) led the Israelites after the death of Moses. It was under his command that they crossed the river Jordan after it parted for them.
Despite his military experience Joshua was defeated by the smaller kingdom of Ai earlier and he was afraid to attack them again. But the Lord was with him - even as a military advisor - and delivered Ai into his hands. The idea is don't give up after initial setbacks.
Joshua went on to divide the land west of the Jordan among the 12 tribes of Israel.
In the last chapter of this brief book from the Bible, Joshua is pained to see the tribes turning away from God. Before he dies he asks them, 'Who will you serve?' He recalls all the times Yahweh has helped them.
Having given them a choice, he reiterates, 'As for me, I and my household will serve the Lord. ' (Joshua 24:16). Following his decision the wayward tribes of Israel do likewise.
The sacking of Ai has been set to stirring lyrics in a recent track 'The Burning of Ai' (2020) by True Strength - the Christian heavy metal band from the US. (Featured, lyrics below) I specially like the inclusion of the detail of the javelin which the Lord asks Joshua to stretch out towards the city of Ai.
Burning of Ai
by True Strength
30,000 soldiers waiting
A deadly ambush waits in the night
30,000 behind the city
Waiting for the signal to fight.
Morning comes and Joshua marches
5,000 march at his side
To lure out the city's fighters
Feigning escape they turn back to fight!
Chorus
Turning around in a frantic retreat
The armies of Joshua cut them down!
Down! Down! Down!
As Ai burns from Israel's rage!
The javelin's pointed towards the city
Ambushed, attacked and now it's in flames!
-------SOLO--------
30,000 descend on the city
The trap is sprung they've joined in the fight
30,000 burning the city
Send the attackers into a flight.
From behind the 5,000 trap them
The men of Ai enclosed on all sides
Cut down with merciless fervor
Everything in the city will die!
Chorus
--------------------------Sources: invubu(dot)com; chabad.org, rainbowtoken(dot)com. Pic courtesy goodsalt(dot)com. Updated 27/8/24.
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