Joshua chapter 8 examines Israel as it continues under Joshua’s leadership in winning the promised land of Canaan, and poses the question: will Israel learn from their past, not just the immediate past of failure in battle against Ai, but from their more distant past as inheritors of the covenant promises of Yahweh?
Joshua 8:1-2 Yahweh’s reassurance
Joshua 8:3-13 The plan of attack
Joshua 8:14-23 Victory belongs to Yahweh (1 Samuel 17:47; Proverbs 21:31)
Joshua 8:24-29 Victory according to Yahweh’s word
Joshua 8:30-35. Postscript: celebration by the book (Deut 11:26-30; 27:1-13)
Conclusion: A greater king; a greater saviour; a greater victory over a greater curse (Galatians 3:10-14)
“You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.” – Deuteronomy 8:18-19 (ESV)