Victory tastes sweeter in the shadow of the discouragement of defeat. If you've ever failed, tried again, and won, you understand why victory is so sweet. The Israelites had to deal with losing to Ai because of Achan and his bringing on God's wrath because Jericho was the tithe dedicated to Him. However, they had rooted out the cause of Israel's sin and were now clean and ready to try again. Only this time, they were allowed to take that city's cattle and spoil. The king of Ai must have felt confident in defeating them again because they failed to consider that Joshua may have strategized a plan to set up an ambush for them, using Ai's previous victory for a purpose. He sent five thousand men to set up the ambush and laid in wait with twenty-five thousand, ensuring the annihilation of the entirety of Ai; there were only twelve thousand people in that city. They burned it to the ground! Don't feel sorry for them; these people were wicked. Afterward, they built an altar to the Lord and presented burnt sacrifices to Him. Then Joshua read the law and the blessing and curses to all of Israel, including women, children, and the sojourners that lived amongst them. God can take the mess you've made and turn it into a victory when you turn your life around and look toward Him. He is where our help comes from.
I have summarized this story and left out so many details; if you have time, read it to fill in the gaps.
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city. Joshua 8:18
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