Joshua 7:9

KJV

For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear [of it], and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?

KJV (with Strong's)

For the Canaanites {H3669} and all the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776} shall hear {H8085} of it, and shall environ us round {H5437}, and cut off {H3772} our name {H8034} from the earth {H776}: and what wilt thou do {H6213} unto thy great {H1419} name {H8034}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For when the Kena'ani and the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe us off the face of the earth. What will you do then to save the honor of your great name?"

Berean Standard Bible

When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?”

American Standard Version

For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and will compass us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do for thy great name?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 7:9 encapsulates Joshua's fervent plea to God in the aftermath of Israel's unexpected defeat at Ai. This critical verse reveals Joshua's profound distress, not primarily for the immediate military setback, but for the potential dishonor and perceived weakness it would bring upon God's "great name" among the surrounding pagan nations. He fears that Israel's annihilation would lead the Canaanites to conclude that the God of Israel is either impotent or unfaithful, thereby jeopardizing the divine reputation and undermining the very purpose of God's covenant with His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 7:9 stands as the emotional and theological apex of Joshua's desperate lament and intercession before the Lord. This prayer follows Israel's humiliating and unexpected defeat at Ai, a stark contrast to the miraculous and overwhelming victory at Jericho, as narrated in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). The reason for this sudden reversal of fortune is revealed to be Achan's transgression, who violated God's explicit command concerning the devoted things from Jericho, a sin detailed in [Joshua 7:1](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Sin") and rooted in the earlier command of [Joshua 6:18](/joshua/6-18 "Joshua 6:18 - Command to Devote Jericho to the Lord"). Joshua's deeply anguished prayer, commencing in [Joshua 7:6](/joshua/7-6 "Joshua 7:6 - Joshua's Lament Before the Lord"), expresses his confusion and despair over the defeat, culminating in this verse where he appeals directly to God's honor and reputation as the ultimate stake in their dire predicament. God's immediate response to Joshua's plea reveals Achan's sin and outlines the necessary steps for Israel's restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, Israel is engaged in the divinely mandated conquest of Canaan, a period profoundly shaped by their covenant relationship with Yahweh. In the ancient Near East, a nation's military prowess and success were frequently attributed to the strength and favor of its patron deity. Consequently, a defeat such as that at Ai, especially following the overwhelming triumph at Jericho, would have been interpreted by the polytheistic Canaanite nations as a definitive sign that Israel's God was either inferior, defeated, or had abandoned His people. The concept of "name" (Hebrew: _shem_) in this cultural milieu was far more profound than a mere label; it encompassed one's entire reputation, character, authority, and enduring legacy. To "cut off a name" signified absolute annihilation, not merely physical death but the complete erasure of a people's identity, memory, and influence from history. Joshua's appeal to God's "great name" thus strategically taps into this deep cultural understanding of divine honor, underscoring the severe implications of Israel's fate for the perception of Yahweh among the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Central among these is the theme of **God's Reputation and Glory**, as Joshua's ultimate concern is for what God "wilt thou do unto thy great name?" This highlights the consistent biblical truth that God is supremely zealous for His own glory, and all His actions are ultimately designed to vindicate His character and demonstrate His sovereignty. Another critical theme is the **Consequences of Sin**, powerfully illustrated by Achan's individual transgression leading directly to corporate defeat and the national crisis Joshua describes. This emphasizes the profound interconnectedness of the covenant community and the serious, far-reaching implications of disobedience. The verse also exemplifies **Intercessory Prayer**, showcasing how a leader can bring the deepest fears and concerns of the people before God, appealing to His unchanging character even in the most desperate circumstances. Finally, it implicitly underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness**, as Joshua's lament, though filled with despair, is ultimately rooted in an underlying trust that God will indeed act to preserve His people and His name, thereby fulfilling His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **environ (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** This primitive root signifies "to revolve, surround, or border." In the context of Joshua 7:9, it carries a strong military connotation of hostile encirclement, implying that Israel would be trapped, besieged, and utterly overwhelmed by their enemies. Joshua envisions the Canaanites not merely attacking, but completely surrounding Israel, cutting off any possibility of escape and ensuring their complete destruction.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This verb means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." While it can refer to physical cutting, in this context, especially when paired with "name," it signifies a profound act of destruction or consumption. When applied to a people's "name," it forms an idiom for total annihilation, implying not just physical death but the obliteration of their identity, memory, and legacy from the earth. It suggests an irreversible end to their existence as a distinct people.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** More than a mere label, "name" in biblical thought represents the entire essence of a person or, in this case, God. It encompasses character, authority, reputation, power, and covenant faithfulness. When Joshua speaks of Israel's "name" being cut off, he refers to their identity and legacy as God's chosen people being erased. When he appeals to God's "great name," he is appealing to God's very being, His revealed nature as the powerful, faithful, and sovereign God who has made promises to Israel. He is asking God to act in a way that is consistent with His self-revelation and His declared identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear [of it]":** Joshua begins by articulating the immediate and unavoidable consequence of Israel's defeat: the surrounding pagan nations will inevitably learn of their humiliation. This underscores the public nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God and highlights how their actions, or their failures, have significant implications for the world's perception of Yahweh. The defeat at Ai, unlike Achan's hidden sin, is a public spectacle that will be widely known.
* **"and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth":** This clause expresses the profound depth of Joshua's fear: total and irreversible destruction. The act of "environing" signifies a complete siege, an overwhelming military advantage that would lead to the ultimate catastrophe of having their "name cut off." This is not merely about losing a battle; it is about the complete erasure of Israel's existence as a distinct people, which, by extension, would imply the apparent failure of God's covenant promises to them.
* **"and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?":** This is the climactic rhetorical question and the very core of Joshua's intercession. He masterfully shifts the focus from Israel's plight to God's honor and reputation. This question is not posed to elicit information but serves as a powerful, desperate appeal to God's character and His commitment to His own glory. Joshua implies that if Israel is destroyed, God's "great name" will be dishonored among the nations, who will conclude that He is either unable or unwilling to protect His people, thereby undermining His very identity and promises to the world.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 7:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey Joshua's profound anguish and his deep theological concern. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?"). This question is not posed for an answer but to dramatically emphasize the dire implications of Israel's defeat for God's reputation. It serves to underscore the immense theological weight of the situation and to compel divine action. Secondly, **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "cut off our name from the earth." While the threat of annihilation was real, this expression conveys the extreme psychological and spiritual fear of complete obliteration, not just of life but of identity and legacy. This heightened language emphasizes the depth of Joshua's despair and the perceived finality of the disaster. Finally, the entire verse functions as an **Appeal to Divine Honor**, a specific and powerful form of intercessory prayer where the supplicant bases their plea not on their own merit or righteousness, but solely on God's character and His unwavering commitment to His own glory. Joshua strategically frames the crisis in terms of its direct impact on God's "great name," knowing that God is supremely zealous for His own reputation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 7:9 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God is ultimately zealous for His own glory, and that His "great name" is the ultimate stake in the unfolding drama of redemption. Joshua's appeal here strikingly mirrors similar intercessions made by Moses, who likewise pleaded with God to spare Israel by appealing to the potential dishonor that would be brought upon God's name among the nations if He were to destroy His people in the wilderness. This highlights a consistent theological principle woven throughout Scripture: God acts not primarily for humanity's sake alone, but fundamentally for the vindication of His own character and the demonstration of His sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The defeat at Ai, therefore, was not merely a military setback but a profound theological crisis that threatened the very foundation of God's redemptive plan and His reputation in the eyes of the world.

* [Exodus 32:12](/exodus/32-12 "Exodus 32:12 - Moses' Intercession for God's Name")
* [Numbers 14:16](/numbers/14-16 "Numbers 14:16 - Moses Appeals to God's Reputation to Spare Israel")
* [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 7:9 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder that our lives, both individually and corporately as the people of God, are inextricably linked to the reputation of God's "great name" in the world. Just as Israel's defeat at Ai had immediate and far-reaching implications for how the Canaanites perceived Yahweh, so too do our actions, our integrity, our faithfulness, and even our failures, profoundly impact how the world perceives the God we claim to serve. This truth calls us to a profound sense of responsibility, urging us to live in a manner that consistently honors and glorifies Him, ensuring that our lives are a compelling testament to His power, goodness, and faithfulness. Furthermore, Joshua's desperate prayer teaches us a vital lesson about the power and posture of intercession. Even in moments of deep despair or confusion, we are encouraged to boldly approach God, appealing not to our own righteousness or worthiness, but to His unchanging character and His ultimate commitment to His own glory. This empowers us to bring our deepest fears, our community's struggles, and the daunting challenges of our world before God, trusting that He will indeed act for the sake of His name, often in ways that bring about justice, restoration, and the advancement of His kingdom. The narrative also underscores the corporate nature of sin and its pervasive consequences, reminding us that individual disobedience can have ripple effects, impacting the spiritual health and public witness of the entire community, thereby highlighting the critical importance of holiness, accountability, and repentance among believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do our daily actions, as individuals and as a community of faith, impact the world's perception of God's "great name"?**
* **In what specific situations are we tempted to despair or doubt God's faithfulness, and how can Joshua's appeal to God's character strengthen our prayers for ourselves and others?**
* **How does the concept of corporate responsibility for sin, as vividly illustrated with Achan's transgression, challenge our understanding of individual faith and our interconnected role within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's "name" so important in the Bible?**

Answer: In biblical thought, God's "name" is far more than a mere label; it represents His entire being, His character, His attributes, His power, His authority, and His reputation. When the Bible speaks of God acting "for His name's sake," it means He acts to uphold His own character and to demonstrate His faithfulness to His covenant promises. To profane God's name is to misrepresent Him or to act in a way that denies His true nature. Therefore, God is intensely zealous for His name because it is synonymous with who He is. When Joshua appeals to God's "great name" in [Joshua 7:9](/joshua/7-9 "Joshua 7:9 - Joshua's Appeal to God's Name"), he is essentially appealing to God's very identity and asking Him to act consistently with His revealed character as the mighty and faithful God of Israel.

**Did God need Joshua to remind Him of His reputation?**

Answer: No, God is omniscient and perfectly aware of all things, including His own reputation and the implications of Israel's defeat. Joshua's prayer, much like Moses' similar intercessions in [Exodus 32:12](/exodus/32-12 "Exodus 32:12 - Moses' Intercession for God's Name") and [Numbers 14:16](/numbers/14-16 "Numbers 14:16 - Moses' Plea to God's Reputation"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates Joshua's profound theological understanding of God's character and priorities, aligning his will with God's. Secondly, it allows God to interact with His people through human agency, inviting them into the process of seeking His will and understanding His ways. Thirdly, it serves as a powerful teaching moment for Israel (and for us), illustrating the nature of true intercessory prayer and emphasizing that God's glory is the ultimate goal of all His redemptive acts. It's not about informing God, but about the supplicant's heart being transformed and God's people learning to trust in His sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua's desperate plea for God to act for the sake of His "great name" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Joshua feared Israel's name being "cut off from the earth" and God's name being dishonored by their defeat, Jesus, the true and perfect Israel, perfectly upheld and glorified the Father's name throughout His earthly ministry. His entire life was dedicated to this singular purpose, as He Himself declared, "I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do" ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). The defeat at Ai, caused by Achan's sin, threatened to sever Israel's covenant identity and bring profound shame upon God. In stark contrast, Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, not only atoned for the sins of His people but also served as the ultimate vindication of God's righteousness, holiness, and unwavering faithfulness. Through Christ's triumph over sin and death, God's "great name" is not merely preserved but is eternally magnified and made known to all nations, fulfilling the prophetic declaration that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/phil/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). The church, as the new covenant people of God, is now called to bear His name, not through fear of being cut off, but through the glorious assurance of eternal life and an unbreakable covenant secured by the [precious blood of the Lamb](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed in the Blood of the Lamb"), ensuring that God's "great name" will forever be glorified through His redeemed people, who are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race to Proclaim God's Excellencies")).

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

Exodus 32:12

Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Ezekiel 36:22

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not [this] for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

Ezekiel 36:23

And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

Psalms 83:4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

John 12:28

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.

Ezekiel 20:9

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they [were], in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

Psalms 124:2

If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: