Joshua 8:15

Joshua 8:15 Meaning and Explanation

And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

King James Version (KJV)

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Joshua and all Israel pretend to be defeated and flee toward the wilderness, drawing Ai's army after them.

What Does Joshua 8:15 Mean?

As planned, Joshua and the main force feign defeat and flee toward the open wilderness. The retreat looks like the earlier rout, and that is exactly the impression they mean to give. The mighty men run as though broken.

It took a particular strength to flee on purpose, to appear beaten in the eyes of the enemy while knowing the truth. The world's idea of strength is the bold stand; here, obedience wore the costume of weakness. There are seasons when the Lord asks His people to yield, to endure looking like the losers for a time, trusting that He is accomplishing more through the apparent loss than the watching world can imagine. The cross itself looked like utter defeat.

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What does Joshua 8:15 mean?

Joshua and all Israel pretend to be defeated and flee toward the wilderness, drawing Ai's army after them.

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