Joshua, 7
5. The people of Ai killed thirty-six men and pursued them outside the gate as far as Shebarim, defeating them on the slopes. Upon seeing this, all the people were disheartened.
5. The people of Ai killed thirty-six men and pursued them outside the gate as far as Shebarim, defeating them on the slopes. Upon seeing this, all the people were disheartened.
Joshua 7 addresses the episode in which Israel is defeated by the inhabitants of the city of Ai. This is because Achian, one of Israeli soldiers, had disobeyed God's orders not to take any of the spoils of the city of Jericho to himself. Because of this transgression, God removes his protection over the people of Israel, allowing them to be defeated. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in Joshua 7.
Genesis 3:11: "And God asked, 'Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat the tree from which I forbade you to eat?'" This verse speaks of the importance of obedience to God's orders. Just as God had forbidden Adam and Eve to eat from the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, He had forbidden the Israelites to take the spoils of Jericho for himself.
Deuteronomy 7:26: "They do not bring abominable things to your home, or you will be cursed like her. They hate them completely and consider them filthy, for they are things dedicated to destruction." This verse speaks of the importance of avoiding the acquisition of cursed objects. Acin had disobeyed this order by taking some of the spoils of Jericho for himself.
Psalm 66:18: "If I had kept iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have heard me." This verse speaks of the importance of confession and repentance of sins. Acã is only discovered and punished after confessing his sin.
Isaiah 59:2: "Your iniquities have separated you from your God, your sins hid from you his face, and so he will not hear you." This verse speaks of the importance of obedience to God to maintain His protection. Acin's disobedience had led the removal of divine protection over the people of Israel.
1 Corinthians 15:33: "Don't be fooled: Bad company corrupts good morals." This verse speaks of the importance of staying away from those who practice evil. Acin was punished not only by his own sin, but also because his action affected the entire community of Israel.
“Temos muita facilidade para pedir, mas não para agradecer”. São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina