Joshua 7:8

8 And what shall I say since Israel has turned his back before his enemy?

Joshua 7:8 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 7:8

O Lord, what shall I say
For the comfort and encouragement of the people of Israel, in vindication of thy power and faithfulness, and against the charge of weakness in thyself, unfaithfulness to thy promises, and unkindness to thy people, brought by our enemies:

when Israel hath turned their backs before their enemies?
or after they have done it; what is to be said now, this being the case? he speaks as a man confounded, and at the utmost loss how to account for the power, the providence, and promises of God.

Joshua 7:8 In-Context

6 And Joshua tore his garments; and Joshua fell on the earth on his face before the Lord until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they cast dust on their heads.
7 And Joshua said, I pray, Lord, wherefore has thy servant brought this people over Jordan to deliver them to the Amorite to destroy us? would we had remained and settled ourselves beyond Jordan.
8 And what shall I say since Israel has turned his back before his enemy?
9 And when the Chananite and all the inhabitants of the land hear it, they shall compass us round and destroy us from off the land: and what wilt thou do thy great name?
10 And the Lord said to Joshua, Rise up; why hast thou fallen upon thy face?

Footnotes 1

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.