God gave Israel a complete victory over Ai, but it was not the easy victory that they in self-confidence had originally expected to gain with just three thousand warriors.

Once the victory was won, Joshua and the people did what Moses had commanded in Deuteronomy 27. Joshua built an altar of large whole stones on which he offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings. Plastering the stones, he wrote a copy of the law on them. Then he gathered all Israel together plus the strangers living among them. Six tribes stood on Mount Gerizim to bless the people and the other six tribes on Mount Ebal to curse. All that Moses had commanded be read was solemnly read to them.

How attentively they must have listened as the blessings and the curses were read to them! We must remember that this took place before people enjoyed the privilege of having personal printed copies of God’s Word of their own, not to mention computers or other electronic devices. Rarely did they have an opportunity to hear God’s Word read. Notice too who was present at the meeting: Joshua, all Israel, the elders, officers, judges, priests, Levites, women, children, and the strangers living among them.

How privileged we are! God’s Word is readily available to us. We can read it without fear of being molested. Again and again we see that God wants everyone … our children included … present when His Word is considered. May all our families be so blessed!