Joshua 7:8

KJV

O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!

KJV (with Strong's)

O {H994} Lord {H136}, what shall I say {H559}, when {H310} Israel {H3478} turneth {H2015} their backs {H6203} before {H6440} their enemies {H341}!

Complete Jewish Bible

Oh, ADONAI! What can I say, after Isra'el has turned their backs and retreated before their enemies?

Berean Standard Bible

O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?

American Standard Version

Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel hath turned their backs before their enemies!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 7:8 captures the raw, anguished lament of Joshua following Israel's humiliating and unexpected defeat at Ai. Having just witnessed the miraculous, God-ordained conquest of Jericho, this sudden setback plunges Joshua into profound despair, confusion, and a crisis of faith regarding God's presence and his own leadership. His desperate cry expresses not only personal anguish but also a deep concern for God's reputation among the surrounding nations, fearing that this defeat will dishonor the Lord's name and invalidate His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Israel's shocking defeat at Ai, where 36 Israelite soldiers were killed and the army was routed by a smaller, seemingly inferior force. It follows directly from Joshua's prostration before the Ark of the Covenant, alongside the elders of Israel, in a desperate act of mourning and supplication. The preceding chapter, [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"), vividly recounts the spectacular, divinely orchestrated victory at Jericho, where God's power was undeniably displayed through supernatural means. This stark contrast between the recent triumph and the current defeat underscores Joshua's utter bewilderment and sense of betrayal. Unbeknownst to Joshua at the time of his lament, the true cause of Israel's failure was the sin of Achan, who had violated God's explicit command by taking forbidden plunder from Jericho, thereby bringing corporate defilement and divine displeasure upon the entire community, as revealed in [Joshua 7:1](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Trespass"). Joshua's lament is therefore a cry of ignorance concerning the hidden sin, yet a profound expression of the immense weight of leadership and the perceived withdrawal of God's favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, military victories and defeats were often interpreted as direct indicators of a deity's power, favor, or disfavor towards a nation. For Israel, a people whose national identity and very existence were predicated on a unique covenant with Yahweh, a military defeat was not merely a tactical failure but a profound theological crisis. It suggested that God had abandoned them or was not powerful enough to protect them, which would be an immense shame and dishonor, particularly in the eyes of the surrounding pagan nations. The concept of *herem* (devotion to destruction), applied at Jericho, meant that all spoils were to be consecrated to God or utterly destroyed, symbolizing God's absolute sovereignty and Israel's complete reliance on Him. Disobedience to *herem* was a grave offense, carrying severe corporate consequences. Furthermore, the idea of corporate solidarity was strong in ancient Israel; the sin of one individual could indeed affect the entire community, leading to shared judgment or blessing. Joshua's concern for God's reputation among the Canaanites reflects the understanding that Israel's actions and God's dealings with them served as a witness to the surrounding pagan nations, as seen in [Deuteronomy 4:6-8](/deuteronomy/4-6-8 "Deuteronomy 4:6-8 - Israel's Wisdom and Understanding Among the Nations").
* **Key Themes:** Joshua's lament in [Joshua 7:8](/joshua/7-8 "Joshua 7:8 - Joshua's Lament After Ai") powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Weight of Leadership**, revealing the immense burden and emotional toll placed upon spiritual leaders when faced with public failure and the apparent withdrawal of divine favor. Joshua feels the shame and responsibility for his people's suffering, echoing the laments of other biblical leaders like Moses in [Numbers 11:11-15](/numbers/11-11-15 "Numbers 11:11-15 - Moses' Burden"). Secondly, the event at Ai starkly demonstrates the **Consequences of Sin**, particularly the principle of corporate responsibility within the covenant. Even the hidden sin of one individual can impact the entire community, leading to divine judgment and defeat, underscoring that God's holiness demands obedience from all, as foreshadowed in [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Consequences of Disobedience in War"). Thirdly, Joshua's deep concern for **God's Reputation** among the pagan nations is palpable. He fears that Israel's defeat will lead to the dishonoring of God's name, questioning how the Lord can fulfill His promise to give them the land if His people are seen to "turneth their backs before their enemies," a theme also found in [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations"). Finally, the phrase "turneth their backs" vividly portrays **Humiliation and Despair**, a shameful rout and retreat that stands in stark contrast to God's previous promises of victory and Israel's recent triumphs, plunging Joshua into profound confusion and anguish.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root means "to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge..." In this context, Joshua's use of "what shall I say" (מָה אֹמַר - _mah omar_) is a rhetorical question that conveys his utter helplessness, confusion, and desperate search for understanding or an explanation in the face of unexpected defeat. It is a cry of profound anguish, indicating a feeling of being utterly without words, solutions, or a coherent response to the disaster that has befallen Israel. It signifies a moment of existential crisis for Joshua, where his faith in God's immediate presence and plan is severely tested.
* **turneth (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** From H2015, this primitive root means "to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert." Here, it is used in conjunction with "backs" (עֹרֶף - _ʻôreph_, H6203, meaning "the nape or back of the neck") to form a powerful idiom. The phrase "turneth their backs" (הָפְכוּ עֹרֶף - _hāp̄ḵû ʿōrep̄_) literally means "they turned the neck" or "they turned the back of the neck." This is a vivid and shameful idiom in Hebrew for a complete, humiliating retreat or rout in battle. It powerfully portrays the act of fleeing in disgrace, exposing one's vulnerable back to the enemy, and emphasizes the stark contrast to the expected posture of a victorious army. It signifies a profound reversal of fortune and a deep sense of national humiliation.
* **enemies (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** From H341, this active participle means "hating; an adversary; enemy, foe." It refers to those who are hostile and opposed to Israel, in this case, the inhabitants of Ai. Joshua's lament highlights the profound shame and theological crisis of Israel being defeated by their enemies, especially after God had promised them victory and the land. The very presence of enemies before whom Israel "turneth their backs" signifies a direct contradiction to God's covenant promises and a perceived failure of divine protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O Lord,"**: This direct address to Yahweh (H136, _ʼĂdônây_, "the Lord") signifies Joshua's immediate turning to God in his distress, despite his confusion and anguish. It underscores his deep-seated relationship with the Lord and his understanding that ultimate answers and solutions must come from the divine. It is an appeal to God's authority, power, and covenant faithfulness, even when those attributes seem to be absent or hidden. The preceding interjection "O" (H994, _bîy_) adds a sense of urgent entreaty or lament.
* **"what shall I say,"**: This is a rhetorical question born of profound anguish and disorientation. Joshua is not literally asking for words but expressing his utter bewilderment and despair. He is at a loss for how to explain this defeat to the people, how to justify God's actions (or apparent inaction), or what course of action to take next. It reveals the immense burden of leadership and the feeling of being utterly overwhelmed by circumstances that defy his understanding of God's covenant promises.
* **"when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!"**: This clause describes the humiliating reality of Israel's defeat at Ai. "Turning their backs" is a vivid idiom for a shameful rout, a complete reversal of their expected victorious advance. It highlights the stark contrast between God's promises of conquest and the present reality of defeat, which for Joshua, implies a profound theological crisis and a potential dishonor to God's name among the surrounding nations. The sight of God's chosen people fleeing in disgrace before their pagan adversaries is an unbearable blow to Joshua's faith and leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua's lament in [Joshua 7:8](/joshua/7-8 "Joshua 7:8 - Joshua's Lament After Ai") employs several potent literary devices to convey its emotional and theological weight. The primary device is **Lament**, a common biblical form of prayer expressing deep sorrow, complaint, and an appeal to God in times of distress. Joshua's cry fits this pattern, articulating his pain and confusion directly to the Lord, questioning the divine plan in the face of unexpected suffering. The phrase "what shall I say" functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking a literal answer but conveying the speaker's utter helplessness, despair, and lack of understanding in the face of an inexplicable tragedy. It emphasizes the depth of his emotional and spiritual crisis, highlighting the burden of leadership. Furthermore, "turneth their backs" is a vivid **Idiom** or **Metonymy**, where a physical action (turning the neck/back) represents a larger concept (shameful defeat and flight). This idiomatic expression powerfully evokes the humiliation and disgrace of the rout, creating a strong sense of **Pathos** that elicits sympathy for Joshua's plight and highlights the gravity of Israel's situation and the perceived dishonor to God's name.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua's lament in [Joshua 7:8](/joshua/7-8 "Joshua 7:8 - Joshua's Lament After Ai") serves as a poignant reminder that even God's chosen leaders face moments of profound despair and confusion when divine favor seems withdrawn or when circumstances contradict perceived promises. This episode underscores the critical theological principle that God's covenant blessings are conditional upon obedience. The defeat at Ai, a direct consequence of Achan's sin, highlights the corporate nature of sin and its ripple effects within a community, demonstrating that individual disobedience can have far-reaching, detrimental consequences for the entire body of believers. It also powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to holiness and justice, even when it involves disciplining His own people. Joshua's concern for God's reputation among the nations reveals a deep understanding of God's glory being at stake in Israel's actions and outcomes, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history.

* [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")
* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Consequences of Disobedience in War")
* [1 Corinthians 5:6](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6 - A Little Leaven Leavens the Whole Lump")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's agonizing cry in [Joshua 7:8](/joshua/7-8 "Joshua 7:8 - Joshua's Lament After Ai") offers profound lessons for believers today. It teaches us about the seriousness of sin, reminding us that even seemingly private or individual acts of disobedience can have far-reaching, detrimental effects on the wider community, whether it be a family, church, or nation. This should compel us to cultivate a deeper commitment to personal holiness and accountability, recognizing our interconnectedness in the body of Christ and the potential impact of our choices. Furthermore, Joshua's raw honesty in bringing his despair and confusion before God provides a powerful model for spiritual leadership and personal faith. It demonstrates that it is permissible, even necessary, to lament, question, and express our deepest anxieties to God when faced with apparent failure or the inexplicable. Even in moments of defeat, God remains sovereign and just, working to reveal sin, bring about repentance, and ultimately restore His people to victory. Our trust in His overarching plan and character must remain steadfast, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises, knowing that His ultimate purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joshua's lament challenge your understanding of God's presence and activity during times of apparent defeat or confusion in your own life or community?**
* **In what ways might individual sin in a community (family, church, workplace) be impacting the collective well-being, and what is your role in addressing it?**
* **When faced with unexpected setbacks, how can you emulate Joshua's example of bringing your honest questions and despair before God, rather than turning away from Him?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the burden of leadership, and how can we better support those who carry such responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**Why was Israel defeated at Ai after such a great victory at Jericho?**

Answer: Israel's defeat at Ai was not due to a lack of military strength or God's inability, but rather a direct consequence of corporate sin. Unbeknownst to Joshua and the majority of the Israelites, Achan, a man from the tribe of Judah, had disobeyed God's explicit command regarding the spoils of Jericho. God had declared Jericho and everything in it "devoted to destruction" (*herem*), meaning all plunder was to be either utterly destroyed or consecrated to the Lord (see [Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17-19 "The Ban on Jericho")). Achan secretly took a beautiful cloak, silver, and gold, hiding them in his tent ([Joshua 7:21](/joshua/7-21 "Achan's Confession")). This act of disobedience defiled the entire community, as God's covenant with Israel implied corporate responsibility. As a result, God withdrew His favor, leading to Israel's defeat and humiliation at Ai. This event powerfully illustrates that God's holiness demands obedience, and disobedience carries serious consequences for the whole covenant community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua's lament in [Joshua 7:8](/joshua/7-8 "Joshua 7:8 - Joshua's Lament After Ai"), born of Israel's defeat due to corporate sin, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Joshua was perplexed by Israel's "turning their backs" in shame, unable to comprehend the hidden sin that brought about their downfall, Christ perfectly understood and ultimately bore the shame and sin of all humanity. Achan's trespass brought corporate judgment upon Israel, but Jesus, the true and greater Joshua (a name etymologically linked to Jesus), became sin for us, bearing the curse and the full weight of God's wrath, so that we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His apparent defeat on the cross, a moment of profound humiliation and perceived abandonment, was in reality the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Where Israel turned their backs in defeat, Christ steadfastly set His face toward Jerusalem, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). He is the faithful leader who never fails, whose perfect obedience secures eternal victory and reconciliation for His people, ushering in a new covenant where sin's power is definitively broken and God's name is eternally glorified through His once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 3:5

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? [Is] God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

Romans 3:6

God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

Ezra 9:10

And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments,

Habakkuk 2:1

¶ I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.