约书亚记 7:5 CUNPSS

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Joshua 7:5

5. chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim—that is, unto the "breakings" or "fissures" at the opening of the passes. and smote them in the going down—that is, the declivity or slope of the deep, rugged, adjoining wady. wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water—It is evident that the troops engaged were a tumultuary, undisciplined band, no better skilled in military affairs than the Bedouin Arabs, who become disheartened and flee on the loss of ten or fifteen... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 7:1-26

2. Defeat at Ai ch. 7At Jericho, Israel learned God’s strength. At Ai, she learned her own weakness. She could only conquer her enemies as she remained faithful to God’s covenant."We are never in greater danger than right after we have won a great victory." [Note: Henry Jacobsen, Claiming God’s Promises: Joshua, p. 62.] "The pinching of the [east-west] ridge route by Ai . . . makes it a natural first line of defense for the Hill Country around Bethel. Therefore, tactically speaking, the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 7:2-5

The spies who reconnoitered Ai based their advice on the numbers of these Canaanites and the Israelites."East of Ai . . . one route descends due east to the pass across Wadi Makkuk. This pass affords the last crossing before the wadi deepens into a major canyon and obstacle. From there on, the unified stream bed of the wadi cuts a twisted path through the uplifted limestone resulting in rocky scarps of up to 200 meters or 660 feet before continuing east through the rough chalk wilderness. The... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 7:1-26

Repulse at Ai, due to Achan’s SinThe capture of Jericho is followed by an attempt upon Ai, a place of strategic importance, as commanding a main entrance into the interior of Canaan westward; the upper entrance into the valley of Aijalon being commanded by Ai and Bethel. This chapter has an interest of its own, as exhibiting Joshua in a new light, as the spiritual guide, drawing out, with the mingled sweetness and severity of a father (Joshua 7:19), the sinner’s detailed confession (see on... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Joshua 7:5

(5) Shebarim—i.e., the crevices, or ravines. A short distance below Ai the road passes the head of steep glens, which open into the plain of Jordan.In the going down—i.e., until they escaped into these ravines. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Joshua 7:1-26

CHAPTER XIV.ACHAN’S TRESPASS.Joshua 7:1-26.A VESSEL in full sail scuds merrily over the waves. Everything betokens a successful and delightful voyage. The log has just been taken, marking an extraordinary run. The passengers are in the highest spirits, anticipating an early close of the voyage. Suddenly a shock is felt, and terror is seen on every face. The ship has struck on a rock. Not only is progress arrested, but it will be a mercy for crew and passengers if they can escape with their... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Joshua 7:1-26

7. Achan’s Sin and Israel’s Defeat CHAPTER 7 1. The defeat of Israel (Joshua 7:1-5 ) 2. The source of the defeat revealed (Joshua 7:6-15 ) 3. The transgressor found out (Joshua 7:16-23 ) 4. The judgment of Achan (Joshua 7:24-26 ) The insignificant place Ai brings defeat. Joshua sent men to view Ai. What authority was given to him to do so? There was no need to send spies once more, for the Lord had said, that the whole land was given to them. They report Ai a place without walls and... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Joshua 7:5

7:5 And the {c} 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.(c) God would by this overthrow make them more earnest to search out and punish the sin committed. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 7:1-26

DEFEATED BY AI (vs.1-9) Though Joshua and Israel as such were unaware of it, there was sin in the camp that affected all of Israel, for we are told that "the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things" (v.1). Only one man had done this, but God held the nation responsible because the man, Achan, was part of Israel. He had taken some things that were under the curse and God was therefore angry with Israel (v.1). Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai to spy out... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Joshua 7:1-26

JERICHO AND AI DIVINE ORDERS (Joshua 6:1-5 ) These verses should not be separated from the foregoing by a chapter division, since it is evident that the orders here received by Joshua were given by the Captain of the Lord’s host previously described. Observe another proof of His deity in the words, “I have given into thine hand Jericho.” The mode by which Joshua was to proceed (Joshua 6:3-5 ) calls for no explanation. What had been his own preparations for the attack on the city? Was he... read more