“And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.”
Joshua 7:6 takes place during the time when the Israelites were conquering the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua:following the death of Moses. The verse describes the immediate response of Joshua, along with the elders of Israel, upon learning about the defeat of the Israelites in the city of Ai.
The context of this verse can be found in Joshua 7:1-5, which recounts how the Israelites had experienced great success in capturing the city of Jericho. However, when they attempted to conquer the smaller city of Ai, they were unexpectedly defeated. This outcome left Joshua and the Israelites deeply troubled and confused.
In response to this defeat, Joshua tore his clothes, an act symbolising grief and distress. Tearing one’s clothes was a common expression of mourning and anguish in ancient Jewish culture. It signified the depth of Joshua’s distress over the defeat of the Israelites and their failure to accomplish their mission.
Furthermore, Joshua fell to the ground with his face before the Ark of the Lord. The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred symbol of God’s presence among the Israelites, was a gold-covered chest containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, among other items. Joshua’s action demonstrated his humility, submission, and seeking of God’s guidance in the face of adversity. Falling on one’s face before the Lord was an act of reverence and submission to God’s authority.
Additionally, Joshua and the elders of Israel put dust upon their heads, which was another expression of mourning and humility. It was a visible sign of sorrow and repentance, as well as an acknowledgment of their unworthiness before God.
Joshua’s response in this verse reflects his recognition of the significance of their defeat and his desire to seek God’s counsel and guidance. This incident leads to the discovery that there was sin in the camp of Israel, which had caused God to withdraw His favour. The sin of Achan, one of the Israelites, in taking forbidden plunder from Jericho was the cause of their defeat.
Overall, Joshua 7:6 portrays Joshua’s response to the unexpected defeat of the Israelites, characterised by deep distress, humility, and seeking God’s guidance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging our dependence on God, seeking His counsel, and repenting of any wrongdoing when faced with adversity or setbacks.
