V.1-2 In yesterday’s reading, Joshua had gone ahead without direction from the Lord, and the result was a disaster (Joshua 7:2-52And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth-aven, on the east side of Beth-el, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labor thither; for they are but few. 4So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water. (Joshua 7:2‑5)). Now that Joshua and the people have been humbled over their own condition, and have judged the evil among themselves, the Lord encourages them to take Ai by His power working for them.
V.10 Joshua was careful, too, because the word “numbered” means that he “inspected” them early in the morning.
V.13, 18-19 Several companies of Israelites, with Joshua in the midst of them, all directed by the Lord and acting together. What a beautiful picture of what Christians should be today!
V.24-29 Obedience brings victory.
V.30-32 Victory turns to worship.
V.33-35 Worship leads to willingness to listen to all of God’s Word.