The low point in Joshua's life

[tonychanyt]

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The city of AI defeated the Israelites. It was a low point in Joshua's life in Jos 7:

6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening, he and the elders of Israel. And they put dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Alas, O Lord God, why have you brought this people over the Jordan at all, to give us into the hands of the Amorites, to destroy us?

That was the lowest point in Joshua's faith.

Would that we had been content to dwell beyond the Jordan! 8 O Lord, what can I say, when Israel has turned their backs before their enemies! 9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will you do for your great name?”

Joshua questioned God. His emotional state was one of deep distress, fear, and despair. He expressed bewilderment and helplessness. God responded:

10 The Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?

God told him to stop the despairing behavior. He explained:

11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. 12 Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. 13a Get up!"

Joshua's life was a model of faithfulness. Three chapters later, God even stopped the sun from going down at his invocation (Jos 10:13). However, no one is perfect. Jos 7:7 was a low point in his life. It was his moment of vulnerability as a leader, questioning God's intention. He sought understanding and guidance from God in the face of this setback.