Definition: And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, [that remaineth] unto this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 8:29. It's a really powerful story about God’s judgment and a shift in power. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Ai was a terrible city: The Bible describes Ai as a very wicked and oppressive place, filled with injustice and hatred towards the Israelites. Joshua's Mission: Joshua is tasked by God to destroy the city and its people. A Deadly Trap: God sets up a trap for the King of Ai – a tree on which he’s hanged. This is deliberately designed to be a painful and unavoidable fate. The Waiting Game: For seven days, Joshua simply stands by and watches as the King of Ai waits for his death. A Powerful Act: As soon as the sun sets (the end of the day), Joshua orders the King’s carcase to be taken down from the tree. Stone Heap: He then instructs the people to build a massive pile of stones on top of the carcase. What it Means – A Symbolic Story: This verse isn't just about a king dying; it's a powerful symbol of God’s judgment and His plan for righteous justice. Here’s what it represents: God’s Justice: It shows that God doesn’t just punish people; He actively works to right wrongs and deliver those who are truly evil. Punishment is Complete: The King’s death is complete . There's no hope of escape or redemption. It’s a final, unavoidable consequence of his wickedness. God’s Control: It demonstrates God’s control over events – He has set things in motion and knows exactly what will happen. Key Takeaway: This story is a testament to God's unwavering justice and His power to bring about complete and irreversible consequences for those who defy Him. --- Do you want me to explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The symbolism behind the tree. The significance of the seven days. Its connection to other biblical stories about God’s judgment?