A Tale of Two Cities

Once Jericho was taken it seem only a small thing to take Ai which was the next city in the conquest of Canaan. Ai was a much smaller city than Jericho and the Israelites did not think that it would be much of a problem. Though Jericho was a huge military victory Ai was a devastating defeat. What went wrong? Though the Bible makes it clear that it was because of sin in the camp may I suggest other reasons. First, there was a lack of prayer. When Joshua prayed and dealt with the sin then God revealed His plan to him. I think also they were presumptuous. See what God did through us and He will do it again. Yes He will in His own way. Finally let me point out the similarity between Joshua 6:2 and Joshua 8:1. God gives the victory.