Old Testament
Joshua 7:5
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The men of Ai killed about 36 Israelites, chasing them from the city gate to Shebarim and striking them down on the slopes. As a result, the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
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And 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.
What Joshua 7:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant defeat for the Israelites at the hands of the men of Ai. About 36 Israelite soldiers were killed, and the men of Ai pursued them all the way from the city gate to a place called Shebarim. This defeat was not just a loss of life; it had a profound emotional impact on the Israelite people. Their hearts 'melted' and became 'like water,' indicating fear, despair, and a loss of confidence. This moment highlights the consequences of disobedience to God, as earlier in the chapter, it is revealed that Israel had sinned by taking forbidden items from Jericho. The defeat serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commands and the potential consequences of straying from His guidance.
How to apply Joshua 7:5 to your life
This verse teaches us about the importance of obedience to God. When we stray from His commands, we may face consequences that affect not only ourselves but also those around us. It encourages us to remain faithful and vigilant in our spiritual lives to avoid similar pitfalls.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:1–26)
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Joshua
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Joshua 7:5
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 7:5 mean?
Joshua 7:5 describes a significant defeat for the Israelites, where about 36 men were killed by the men of Ai. This loss caused fear and despair among the Israelites, illustrating the emotional impact of their disobedience to God.
What is the significance of the phrase 'hearts melted like water' in Joshua 7:5?
The phrase 'hearts melted like water' signifies the deep fear and despair experienced by the Israelites after their defeat. It reflects their loss of confidence and morale in the face of adversity.
Why did the Israelites suffer defeat in Joshua 7:5?
The Israelites suffered defeat because they had sinned by taking forbidden items from Jericho, which led to God's disfavor. This disobedience resulted in their vulnerability and subsequent loss in battle.
How does Joshua 7:5 relate to the theme of obedience to God?
Joshua 7:5 emphasizes the theme of obedience to God by showing that the Israelites' failure to follow His commands led to dire consequences. Their defeat serves as a warning about the importance of remaining faithful to God's guidance.
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