Joshua’s anguished prayer highlights his fear of national destruction and dishonor to God’s name, revealing both Israel’s dependence on the LORD and the significance of divine reputation.
For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and they will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will You do for Your great name? (v.9) In this verse, Joshua grieves before the LORD after Israel’s unexpected defeat at Ai. He laments that once the neighboring peoples discover Israel’s vulnerability, they will close in and annihilate them. The term Canaanite commonly refers to the nations inhabiting a broad region now known as Israel, as well as areas of modern Jordan and Lebanon. Here, Joshua shows his concern not just for the nation’s safety but also for what might happen to the reputation of the God of Israel.
By asking, “What will You do for Your great name?” Joshua underscores the deep link between Israel’s fortunes and God’s honor. Historically, God’s people had been promised victory if they obeyed His covenant, since the LORD often fought for them (Joshua 10:14, 23:9). Here, however, Israel’s defeat reveals that something is amiss. Joshua’s plea hints at both a personal anguish and a spiritual crisis: he fears that the nations, who know of the miracles surrounding Israel’s exodus and crossing into the Promised Land, will no longer revere the LORD once they learn the Israelites were subdued.
The Canaanites, known for their fortified cities and influence, would have an immediate opportunity to press their advantage. But Joshua’s cry points to a deeper truth: God’s glory is often displayed through His people, and if they fail, observers may question His power. Accordingly, Joshua’s trembling words echo a desire that God vindicate both Israel’s existence and His own name, demonstrating His faithfulness despite the people’s wrongdoing.
Israel’s devastating defeat showed that if they broke faith with God, their success would be in jeopardy—and even God’s glory among the nations could appear tarnished.
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Joshua 7:9 meaning
For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and they will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will You do for Your great name? (v.9) In this verse, Joshua grieves before the LORD after Israel’s unexpected defeat at Ai. He laments that once the neighboring peoples discover Israel’s vulnerability, they will close in and annihilate them. The term Canaanite commonly refers to the nations inhabiting a broad region now known as Israel, as well as areas of modern Jordan and Lebanon. Here, Joshua shows his concern not just for the nation’s safety but also for what might happen to the reputation of the God of Israel.
By asking, “What will You do for Your great name?” Joshua underscores the deep link between Israel’s fortunes and God’s honor. Historically, God’s people had been promised victory if they obeyed His covenant, since the LORD often fought for them (Joshua 10:14, 23:9). Here, however, Israel’s defeat reveals that something is amiss. Joshua’s plea hints at both a personal anguish and a spiritual crisis: he fears that the nations, who know of the miracles surrounding Israel’s exodus and crossing into the Promised Land, will no longer revere the LORD once they learn the Israelites were subdued.
The Canaanites, known for their fortified cities and influence, would have an immediate opportunity to press their advantage. But Joshua’s cry points to a deeper truth: God’s glory is often displayed through His people, and if they fail, observers may question His power. Accordingly, Joshua’s trembling words echo a desire that God vindicate both Israel’s existence and His own name, demonstrating His faithfulness despite the people’s wrongdoing.
Israel’s devastating defeat showed that if they broke faith with God, their success would be in jeopardy—and even God’s glory among the nations could appear tarnished.