Promised Land Living: Try Again... Josh. 8:1-29

I. Joshua’s Second Chance vs. 1-2

A. This time they could win, because they were following Yahweh’s battle plan. Failure to pray is worse than a failure to plan.

B. Joshua was afraid of another defeat. People were probably talking. He was caught up reliving the mistake in his own mind. Phil. 3:13-14

Philippians 3:13–14 NASB95

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

C. This time Joshua would be there, with Yahweh’s strategy. Instead of sending people to do it, Joshua’s way.

II. Joshua’s Spiritual Victory vs. 3-26

A. So Joshua sets the trap and sticks out his javelin like Moses did his hands in the battle with Amalek. It’s a picture of having his hands lifted to Heaven as though the Lord is channeling the victory though Joshua. Ex. 17:8-13

Exodus 17:8–13 NASB95

Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

B. The leader (the king) had to watch his people pay the price for their sins. He was responsible for not repenting and trying to lead his people to repent.

C. The spiritual victory was more than defeating Ai. It was defeating self reliance, fear, and doubt, by being obedient.

III. Joshua’s Substantial Victory vs. 27-29

A. The substantial victory is that the enemy was completely wiped out.

B. The leader was gone, and a monument of shame. (Waterloo ex)