The Hearts of the People Melted

"And the men of Ai struck and killed about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them on the mountainside; and the hearts of the people melted and became like water.”  Joshua 7:5

​The men of Israel experienced defeat at Ai after receiving a report from the spies of Jericho that victory was overwhelmingly possible. Because of the small number of men in Ai, the men of Jericho were confident in their ability, the number of the army, and past successes. So, when defeat came, it not only surprised them but also caused them to lose courage, as we read that their hearts melted as water.

The men of Jericho who went to battle were not the only ones who were surprised and discouraged. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, was also confident that victory was inevitable.
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Joshua tore his clothes and then fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord. Joshua and the elders remained this way until evening, putting dust on their heads.

In this passage, we see a number of things. We know that this defeat resulted from the sin of one Israelite that affected all of the Israelites. We also observe how defeat shifted the perspectives of Joshua, the elders, and the Israelites.

​The defeat that they believed should have been a victory, because of a comparison of the army’s number of men, influenced the Israelites’ confidence. They had confidence in themselves, their ability, and the might of their army, rather than God.

At their defeat, we don’t read about hearts that are seeking the Lord’s guidance and wisdom (even Joshua’s plea to the Lord was not one that was non-accusatory toward the Lord). We read of immediate faintheartedness, discouragement, and loss of courage from everyone.

​This is a lesson for us. At times when we face defeat, we should immediately come before the Lord to question if there is an area of sin in our lives that is unconfessed or if our hearts are unrepentant.

We should also seek the Lord’s help to strengthen our faith when we are discouraged or tempted to lose courage, become fainthearted, or accuse the Lord.

When something unfavorable happens in our lives, the Lord hasn’t changed. He is still loving, holy, all-powerful, faithful, and our sovereign heavenly Father. Our circumstances reveal our thoughts and beliefs about the Lord.

Take some time today to think of events that have led to your heart melting. Honestly, write your thoughts about the Lord, and take note if your faith and perspective have wavered about your unchanging heavenly Father. 

Compare if your thoughts, faith, and confidence are greater in yourself than in the one true God of heaven and earth, who knows all, sees all, and is in complete control over all things. This may lead to your confession, repentance, and a heart that is ready and willing to seek the Lord for His direction, strength, help, and guidance, not only for your current unfavorable circumstances but also for your entire life.