Joshua 8:24-35
Ai is conquered then burned, its inhabitants massacred, its king hanged and only its cattle kept for the people, "according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua" (v. 27). Having already paid dearly for their self will, Joshua and Israel follow God’s instructions to the letter on this occasion. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 prohibited leaving the corpse of a hanged person on the tree overnight, and Joshua also obeys these words (v. 29), a proof that he already considers the land as their own. Let us make every effort to control our behaviour in accordance with the Scriptures. What power there would be in our witness if we could answer each question relating to our conduct and bearing by saying: it is what the Lord requires of me in His Word. Let us gaze at Jesus on the cross. At the very end of His life as an obedient man, He says once more "that the scripture might be fulfilled, I thirst" (John 19:28).
The scene which follows (vv. 30-35) also fulfills the instructions in Deuteronomy 11:29; Deuteronomy 27:11. Men, women, children, all the people are assembled, including the foreigners (so Rahab is probably among them), in the appointed place to hear the law. At the centre of this gathering is the sacred ark, a type of Christ. Worship and joy are expressed through the burnt offerings and sacrifices presented.