Two wrongs committed by the people of Ai.

During the war between the people of Israel and the inhabitants of Ai in the time of Joshua,

while contemplating the defeat of the people of Ai

as they fell into the ambush set by the elite troops of Israel (Joshua 8:6, 16),

two mistakes made by the people of Ai come to mind:

First mistake:

All the people in the city of Ai (v. 16) followed after the Israelites,

feigning defeat and fleeing through the wilderness (v. 15).

How could all the people have followed after Israel?

Shouldn't some have remained to defend the city?

Second mistake:

None in Ai or Bethel stayed behind; they left their city gates open and pursued Israel (v. 17).

How could they leave the city gates open? In what army does one open city gates to pursue enemies?

I believe there's a lesson for us as we reflect on these two mistakes made by the people of Ai:

We must not fall for the lure or deception of our enemy Satan's ambush or enticement.

We should not only focus on defeating the enemy in the spiritual battle against Satan,

the sinful world, sin, and ourselves (the old self),

but also balance our focus on guarding ourselves, our families, our churches, and the kingdom of God.

In the spiritual warfare against Satan and his forces,

we should keep the doors of our hearts wide open, so as not to be vulnerable to Satan's attacks.

Instead, we should open the doors of our hearts wide to our Lord.