Joshua 7:8 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

O LORD, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

O LORD, what can I say now that Israel has run away in defeat from their enemies!

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Joshua is crying out to God in anguish and confusion after Israel's shocking military defeat, wondering what he could possibly say to explain this humiliation.

📚 Historical Context

In the Book of Joshua, the Israelites were conquering the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership after Moses' death, having just achieved a miraculous victory at Jericho. However, their next battle at Ai ended in defeat because Achan, one of the Israelites, disobeyed God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho, which brought divine judgment on the nation. Joshua, in his confusion and distress, prays to God, expressing his bewilderment at the people's failure.

Explore Similar Verses

1 Samuel 14:47

So Saul became king over Israel and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned to fight, he defeated them.

Joshua 11:8

The LORD gave Israel victory over their enemies. The Israelites defeated them and chased them all the way to the great city of Sidon, to Misrephoth-maim, and to the valley of Mizpah in the east. They completely destroyed them, leaving no survivors.

Numbers 24:18

Edom will be conquered, and Seir will also be taken over by their enemies; but Israel will act with great courage and strength.

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