“And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!”
Context:Joshua 7 is a chapter that describes the aftermath of the Israelites’ victory at Jericho and the subsequent defeat at Ai. The Israelites were instructed by God not to take any of the spoils of Jericho, but Achan disobeyed and took some forbidden items, which led to the defeat at Ai. Joshua, the leader of Israel, is lamenting before God, questioning why they have been allowed to experience this defeat.
Joshua’s Lament:In verse 7, Joshua expresses his distress and confusion before God. He addresses the Lord, acknowledging Him as the “O Lord God” and laments, saying, “Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us?” Joshua’s questioning reflects his disappointment and apparent disillusionment with God’s plan. He wonders why God would bring them across the Jordan River only to be handed over to their enemies, the Amorites.
Desire for Contentment:Joshua continues his lament, saying, “Would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!” Here, Joshua expresses a desire for contentment with their previous situation on the eastern side of the Jordan River. He suggests that it would have been better to remain there rather than facing the current troubles and defeat. His words reveal a moment of doubt and a longing for the perceived safety and comfort of the past.
Lessons from Joshua 7:7:
- Questioning God:Joshua’s lament shows that even faithful leaders can have moments of doubt and confusion. It is natural to question God when faced with difficulties or unexpected outcomes. However, it is essential to bring these questions to God in prayer, seeking understanding and guidance rather than letting doubt consume us.
- Trusting God’s Plan:Although Joshua expresses doubt in this verse, it is important to remember that God had a purpose for allowing the defeat at Ai. It was a consequence of disobedience, and it ultimately led to the discovery and punishment of Achan’s sin, which restored God’s favour upon the Israelites. We should trust that God’s plans are ultimately for our good, even when we do not understand the reasons behind our present circumstances.
- Contentment and Gratitude:Joshua’s desire for contentment on the other side of the Jordan highlights the human tendency to yearn for familiar circumstances rather than embracing the challenges and changes that come with God’s leading. As Christians, we are called to find contentment in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13) and to trust that God’s plans are ultimately better than our own. We should cultivate an attitude of gratitude and trust in God’s provision, even when things don’t go as we expect.
Overall, Joshua 7:7 teaches us about the struggles of faith and the importance of trusting God’s plan, even in moments of doubt and confusion. It reminds us to seek contentment and gratitude in all circumstances, knowing that God is always working for our ultimate good.
