"And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?"
In order to understand the significance of this verse, it’s important to provide some context. After the miraculous fall of Jericho, Joshua sent a small force to capture the city of Ai. However, against all expectations, the Israelites were routed, and thirty-six men lost their lives in the battle. This defeat caused Joshua and the people of Israel great distress, and Joshua fell on his face before the ark of the Lord, seeking guidance and understanding from God.
In response to Joshua’s lamentation, the Lord addressed him with the words in Joshua 7:10. God essentially asked Joshua why he was lying on his face in distress. The question implies that Joshua’s posture of mourning and despair was not appropriate at that moment. God intended to convey an important lesson to Joshua and the Israelites.
The verse serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, prompting God to reveal the reason for Israel’s defeat. It becomes clear that there was sin in the camp of Israel, specifically due to the disobedience of one man, Achan, who had taken some of the forbidden spoils from Jericho for himself. This act of disobedience violated the covenant with God and brought His anger upon the entire nation.
The subsequent verses describe how Joshua was instructed by God to investigate and address the sin in order to restore the favour of the Lord upon the Israelites. Achan and his family were held accountable for their actions, and they were stoned to death as a consequence.
Joshua 7:10, therefore, serves as a turning point in the story, highlighting the importance of obedience and purity before God. It teaches us that sin within the community can have far-reaching consequences and hinder the blessings of God. The verse also emphasizes the need for prompt repentance, confession, and correction when confronted with wrongdoing.
In a broader context, this passage illustrates God’s expectation for His people to uphold their covenant relationship with Him. It demonstrates that God’s favour and protection are contingent upon obedience, and disobedience can lead to dire consequences. It serves as a reminder of the significance of integrity, righteousness, and adherence to God’s commands in our own lives.
By examining Joshua 7:10 and its surrounding verses, we gain insights into the importance of obedience, repentance, and the consequences of sin within the biblical narrative.
