Joshua 7:9

"Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after Israel has turned their backs before their enemies?"

Key Reflection

This verse captures Moses' profound distress over Israel's failure. Despite God's previous mighty deeds and promises, Israel's swift defeat by their enemies highlights the gravity of covenant disobedience, prompting Moses to question how he can continue speaking on behalf of a people who have so severely disappointed.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

What wilt thou do unto thy great name? -i. e. “after the Canaanites have cut off our name what will become of Thy Name?” This bold expostulation, that of one wrestling in sore need with God in prayer, like the similar appeals of Moses in earlier emergencies (Compare the marginal references), is based upon God’s past promises and mercies. What would be said of (God by the pagan if now He permitted Israel to be destroyed?

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