Defeating Ai

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: Shout, for the Lord has given you the city. 00:00:07 Speaker 1: The children of Israel pressed forward. The spoils of the city would go to the Lord, and no man was to take plunder nor prisoner. The corruption of the city was not permitted to grow. Instead, it would be ripped out, root and stem. 00:00:23 Speaker 3: Take nothing for yourselves, but what is set aside for the Lord. 00:00:27 Speaker 2: The idols of. 00:00:27 Speaker 3: This city are filled shines. The false gods burn them all. Let no man be tempted by their craft or their beauty. Do not let greed undo what the Lord has done. 00:00:40 Speaker 1: The flames consumed Jericho's temple, but could not burn away the sin hidden in Akan's heart. The gold remained, the silver remained, the curse remained, And in the quiet of the night, while others slept, the weight of stolen treasure lay heavy on Acan's sole. 00:01:02 Speaker 4: No one will know. 00:01:05 Speaker 5: No one will ever know. Stand up, Joshua, why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned. They have violated my covenant. They have stolen what was set apart. That is why you cannot stand against your enemies. 00:01:27 Speaker 3: Bacon, son of Carne, I sentence you to die for your crimes against the Lord. You and yours will pay the ultimate. 00:01:35 Speaker 4: Penalty for your open repellion. 00:01:37 Speaker 2: It's because of you that the Lord's anger burns against us. 00:01:42 Speaker 3: You have single handedly cost us the victory against Ai. It is because of you that thirty six Israelite men are dead. It is because of you the presence of the Lord almost left us. 00:01:55 Speaker 2: This matter must be set right. 00:01:58 Speaker 1: Joshua took ak And with his idols and burn them. Everyone looked at ach and melted. With his idols, he shared their fate, destined to become nothing. 00:02:12 Speaker 6: Click the link of the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and so much more, all on the prey dot com app. Click the link of the description to get started. 00:02:26 Speaker 1: The words of the Lord washed over Joshua like a healing bomb. 00:02:31 Speaker 7: Do not be afraid or discouraged. Joshua could have wept from relief. He knew they had successfully turned the Lord away from his anger when they exposed and punished Aiken for his disobedience, But there was a lingering fear in the back of Joshua's mind that he too could be barred from going ahead with Israel as Moses was. 00:02:57 Speaker 1: Joshua had been promised he would enter the promised life and over forty years ago, but now they were here. It was a strange feeling to have your life built to the fulfillment of a promise and then walk into the next season without the same assurance. The Lord would give Israel the land of Canaan if she was obedient, but that future seemed entirely up to Joshua. It all hung on his obedience and his ability to lead the people. Hearing the words from the Lord was welcome. Indeed, the Lord continued instructing Joshua in the still dark quiet of the tabernacle. The candles of the lamp stand had a soft, comforting amber glow, illuminating the rich hues of the curtain before him. 00:03:47 Speaker 5: Listen to me, Joshua, take all the troops with you and go attack Ai. For I have handed over to you the King of Ai and his people, city and land. Treat Ai and its king as you did Jericho and its king, except this time you may plunder its spoil and livestock for yourselves. Poor Agon. 00:04:14 Speaker 4: If it only helped out to prop it longer. 00:04:17 Speaker 7: His greed was the end of him. 00:04:19 Speaker 1: The Lord revealed his battle plan for taking the city, and Joshua couldn't help but grin. The strategy was nothing short of brilliant, a master stroke that mirrored tactics Joshua had pondered during long nights spent pouring over maps. Joshua had absorbed every detail about the region's terrain and Canaan's shifting politics which he gleaned from travelers or traders during the wilderness years. The Lord's plan left not a doubt in his mind. His God could topple effortlessly walls and lead appointed military strategy. He was not confined to the now natural or the supernatural. He was the Lord, creator of all, and master of all. He could defeat an enemy using the hands of men or the peck of a sparrow. It mattered not. Joshua was still grinning as his council and military leadership filed into his command tent. 00:05:20 Speaker 4: The Lord has handed over a I to us. 00:05:23 Speaker 1: Collectively, the room let out a sigh of relief. They had all held similar fears after coming so close to a rebellion. 00:05:32 Speaker 4: Yes, and here's how we are to do it. First, I will take our main force or what will appear to be our main force to the north of the city. Second, Caleb, you will take a detachment of thirty thousand in line ambush behind the city. It will take your men by night, keep them out of sight. Wait for my signal to attack such a large force. General Joshua, why it is a force to take a city. You and your men will seize the city and burn it to the ground, all draw them out from behind the safety of their walls and defenses. They'll believe they can repeat their victory from the first battle, driving me back into the rocky terrain and pinning me down. But the confidence will shatter when they see the smoke rising from their unguarded city. They realized too late they've walked straight into our trap. 00:06:23 Speaker 2: Ah. 00:06:25 Speaker 4: I agree, and when your men take the city, Caleb, you will again put the people to the sword and bring their king to me. This time, the men can take what they want of the plunder of the city and their livestock. Since we have already given the Lord the first fruits of our conquest, we've already set aside. 00:06:42 Speaker 1: It was rightly his Joshua saw confidence returning to the men's eyes as they leaned in eager to hear more of the plan. Anticipation rippled through the group like a rising tide, Yet one figure remained unmoved. Iamah, ever, the skeptic, leaned back with a furrowed brow, his hand absently scratching his bearded chin as he muled over the lord's instructions, his posture spelling doubt. Heliezer clocked it as well. 00:07:14 Speaker 8: I'm no military mind like Joshua or Caleb here, but I dealt with the leaders of moab Edom and the others in. 00:07:21 Speaker 7: The time of Moses. 00:07:23 Speaker 8: I know people and I know politics. What are the possibilities of a Canaanite alliance between A and its neighboring cities. What would we do should the cities of Bethel and Gibbeon come to A's aid? 00:07:36 Speaker 4: A valid concern if Ma, but I've considered a beth Ai alliance. Caleb, you will assign a detachment of five thousand men the breakoff from the main force to defend the pass through the hills between Ai and Bethel to the northwest. They will cut off any Bethel reinforcements and defeat them in the field. Who will you assign? You will ride with me and I will tell him when to break off to the west. 00:08:02 Speaker 2: Solomon is the man for the job. 00:08:03 Speaker 3: He's proven himself a competent soldier and commander. I will seize the city for you, and Lieutenant Solomon will guard our backs against Bethel. 00:08:12 Speaker 5: Good. 00:08:13 Speaker 4: You will brief him and have him report to me at dawn when we move out. And what about Gibeon. 00:08:18 Speaker 3: Do not lose heart, brothers. The Lord has assured us of our victory over Ai. We will take the city and deal with the other threats as they arise. Keep the faith, for we know what tomorrow holds. Be strong and courageous. Rock Shazakh a matz Rock, Shazakh a matz Rock. 00:08:44 Speaker 1: Joshua parted ways with Caleb and his men about five miles from Eye, sending them to slip westward under the cover of night. Their task was clear, circle the city unseen and lie in wait. Joshua's men took the bold, calculated risk a dawn, marching openly for the world to see. They traversed the rocky foothills and sloping terrain to the east, skirting the jagged rift known as the Araba. The Rift of Araba was a natural barrier, with its steep, treacherous valleys. It would serve as the perfect lure. The men of Eye would see the Israelite's position and think victory was within their grasp. 00:09:28 Speaker 7: To them, the. 00:09:29 Speaker 1: Valley seemed an unyielding trap, an opportunity to corner their prey against the craggy, limestone walls of the Araba, with no chance of escape. They would seize the moment with glee, rushing headlong into the pursuit, blissfully unaware that the jaws of the trap were already closing and doom awaited their city from the west. Joshua and his men camped north of the city, directly in front of it, a defiant posture as they sharpened the their weapons and prepared to stage their attack for the next morning. The sun sank under the rough, serrated teeth of the foothills all around them, casting its bloody glow upon the world. When the last of the light was dispelled from the world, Joshua knew it was time. 00:10:18 Speaker 4: Lieutenant Salmon, take your five thousand and hold to the past to Bethel for me. Kill anyone who should attempt to rescue AI. Remember the Lord has given us the city. It will be destroyed Bethel will be left alone for now. If anyone is foolish enough to interfere, destroy them too. 00:10:37 Speaker 2: It will be done exactly as you say. 00:10:40 Speaker 4: Go now, brother, the Lord will be with you. 00:10:43 Speaker 3: Rak chazaka amatzk ahmats. 00:10:47 Speaker 1: With that, the young man took his detachment and they moved to their position under the cover of darkness. A few short hours later, Joshua arranged the rest of the Israelite forces into formation on the other side of the wide rocky valley separating them from Eye. Like a foreboding moat. Either side would have to climb through the maze of shaky and unstable stones of the slopes. A fall could kill a man just as readily as a blade, and if you fell on your back in battle, you were as good as dead. But Joshua knew his forces would be avoiding those pitfalls altogether. He knew the Lord would signal him when it was time, and he had a sneaking suspicion that the men of Eye would give chase without abandon Sure enough, as the dawn seeped its murky, pink and orange light into the valley like blood pouring from a wound, Joshua spotted the movement he had been waiting for. The King of I had ordered his vanguard out of the city gates, marching boldly to meet them head on. The memory of their previous victory must have fueled his confidence. Armed with intimate knowledge of the terrain, theize of narrow valleys and hidden caverns within the Araba, he was determined to end this confrontation swiftly and decisively, and the lure of eliminating the Israelite leader that no doubt, added to his eagerness to strike. The thought curled Joshua's lips into a smile. The King of I would soon see what it would mean to challenge the will of the Lord. 00:12:25 Speaker 3: Old, steady brothers, they cressa valley, Let's lead them into the wilderness. 00:12:30 Speaker 1: His grip tightened on the javelin in his left hand, his right arm crossed his body, and his hand rested on the hilt of his sword. The javelin was a long, elegant weapon with a lethally sharp iron blade at the end. It was far lighter and longer than his sword, but Joshua opted to carry it that morning instead of his usual shield. The Lord would be his shield. Their enemy had reached the bottom of the chasm under the cover of their interlocking sheeld. They grunted and roared as they began to climb the other side. The hissing of arrows filled the air, but fell short of where Joshua and his men were standing. Israel stayed put. Their enemy disappeared from view momentarily as they climbed the steepest part of the hill. 00:13:17 Speaker 2: Steady, hold fast. 00:13:20 Speaker 1: Joshua drew his sword from its sheath on the left side of his body, and the blades sang as it swung wide in a practiced motion as an extension of Joshua's arm. Joshua tilted the javelin until both weapons were angled toward his enemy as they reached the top of the ridge. Once he was sure they were within earshot, Joshua shouted, for his enemy's benefit. 00:13:43 Speaker 2: It's the too many. 00:13:46 Speaker 8: Row it to me. 00:13:49 Speaker 1: Israel obeyed immediately and fled toward the flats behind them, which led to the wilderness and the craggy Arabar beyond. Joshua stifled a laugh as he saw his enemy's haughty eyes narrow with malicious glee. Joshua and his men were putting on a good show. The first wave of soldiers fell upon them brutally a few yards from the sparse tree line. However, they were met by a fierce on sort of Joshua's mend Mechel sang through the valley in time to the screams of the dying. They held their lines briefly, but then, as instructed, they started giving ground, allowing their enemies to continue to push them into the tree line. Inch by inch. The chaos of battle closed in around Joshua, and he fought against the instinct to let his distractions fall away so he could slip into his killing calm. But Joshua was a general now, and the leader of Israel. 00:14:48 Speaker 4: Decides a better view of the walls. 00:14:53 Speaker 1: With a grunt, Joshua dropped the face of being beaten back and down his opponent with a so and vicious downward stroke, slashing through leather, armor, and flesh from nose to navel. He crumpled as the ground hungrily drank the crimson blood that sprouted from his body. Joshua's guards followed suit and efficiently down their opponents so they could protect their leader. Joshua leaped a higher ground, a rugged boulder jotting up just before the tree line. Their shields and spears lowered, forming a defensive line around his makeshift rocky platform, and Joshua craned his neck toward the city. Just as they had predicted, the King, in his greedy haste to destroy Israel, had sent the rest of his troops out of the city to join the fray. They were reaching the valley's lowest point and would be upon them in minutes. The archers did not even bother to cover their client this time. Over the dinner of war. The skin on Joshua's neck prickled as the voice of the law lord whispered in his ear. 00:16:01 Speaker 5: Hold out the javelin in your hand towards Ai, for I will hand the city over to you. 00:16:09 Speaker 1: Joshua did not hesitate. He thrust the javelin high into the air and toward the city, roaring over the bloody. 00:16:17 Speaker 3: Chaos, goods strong and gregous. 00:16:23 Speaker 1: In the distance, Joshua saw movement in the rocks west of the city. Caleb and his men stealthily emerged from their hiding places. The city was unguarded and ripe for conquest. 00:16:36 Speaker 2: Hord bring them back. 00:16:38 Speaker 1: Javelin still raised toward the city in his left hand and Soward dripping with blood in his right. Joshua savored the look of panic and uncertainty in the eyes of his enemy. The Israelites, rallying under his command, immediately tightened their lines and reclaimed the ground they had forfeited just moments before. The soldiers of Eye quickly found an impenetrable line of shields and spears that drove them back toward the steep valley behind them. Those unfortunate to have been caught closer to the Malay at the tree line were swiftly cut down with swords. Confusion reigned briefly, but then Joshua saw the first curls of thick black smoke rise from behind the walls. Then the screaming began. The enemy soldiers hesitantly looked over their shoulders and shock, but by then it was too late. Tendrils of smoke were now plumes, and vibrant orange flames licked the watch towers. I belonged to Israel. Now then the panic really set in. With nowhere to retreat and I's commanders gutted by Calebh's secret force, the men in the valley scattered their spirits were broken and their discipline shattered, wowing Joshua's ferocious men to pick them off and cut them down within minutes. Joshua held the javelin until the blackened walls of the city began to buckle and crumble in the heat of the flames, reminiscent of Joshua's first battle against the Amalekites. He only lowered the javelin when the battle was won. Salmon and his men returned bloodied but victorious, having slaughtered every fighting man from Bethel who had dared to rush to Eye's defense. The total of those who fell that day, both men and women, was twelve thousand, all the people of Eye. Caleb approached, with the King of Eye dragged like a whimpering child, kicking and wailing in defiance. Without hesitation, Joshua stepped forward and drove the iron tip of his javelin through the man's chest. The king's cries fell silent, replaced by the crackle of burning ruins of the once great city of Eye. They hung his lifeless body from a tree at the edge of the decimated city, a grim warning to all who might oppose the God of Israel. Ashes drifted like snow over the smoldering wreckage, and the once proud city lay silent in its defeat. Their victory was absolute. Joshua turned his gaze toward the distant peaks of Mount Obao and Mount Gerrism, their rugged silhouettes etched against the horizon. He would lead his valiant men to those sacred heights and build an altar to honor the Lord the First in the land of Canaan. There, beneath the open sky and in the natural amphitheater between the two peaks, they would renew their covenant with the Law of Moses, just as the Lord had commanded. 00:20:01 Speaker 6: If today's reading moved you, the Prey dot Com app is where you can go deeper with daily prayers, Bible plans, and more. Download at free link in the description. 00:20:11 Speaker 1: This Prey dot Com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review,