Joshua 7:9

The Defeat at Ai · Joshua 7:1–15
Read Joshua 7

Translations

Modern
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?”
Traditional
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?
Literal
For the Canaanite and all those dwelling in the land will hear it, and they will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will You do for Your great name?”
Latin
Audient Chananæi, et omnes habitatores terræ, et pariter conglobati circumdabunt nos, atque delebunt nomen nostrum de terra: et quid facies magno nomini tuo?

Original

Hebrew
English
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?”

Notes

  • Joshua’s fears were realistic. All of Canaan had believed that Israel could not be defeated. However, because the small town of Ai defeated Israel, the Canaanites might think this could happen again.

  • If God allowed the wicked to destroy his people completely, the nations would no longer have a witness. They would not see that God continues to be involved with his world.

  • Your great name: Compare Exodus 32:11–12; Numbers 14:13–19.

After Jericho became part of Israel, Joshua's first military task was to secure a position in the hill country. Conquering Jericho boosted Israel's confidence and left the people of Canaan feeling discouraged and without hope. However, everything depended on Israel's obedience to God. The sin of one man and its consequences show the importance of the command to destroy Jericho (see “Complete Dedication” Theme Note).

Events

Places

Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants

Glossary

Ai Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Canaan, Canaanite Carmi Conquest and Allotment of the Land Curse, Cursed Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Tribe of Dan Zerah Zimri (Person)

Topics

Ark of the Covenant: The Israelites Enquired of the Lord Before Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: An Oracle of God Intercession: Exemplified Prayer: Pleas offered In Public Prayer: Joshua