Joshua’s dismay

Joshua, as he witnessed the defeat in the battle of Ai, was in complete dismay. (1) Tearing the clothes, (2) falling on the face, (3) putting dust on the heads, all of which are expressions of dismay and despair. Why was he in such despair? The defeat in Kadesh-Barnea was a result of unfaithfulness. However, this time he went into battle with strong confidence that this was the Lord’s will. Furthermore, the battle of Ai was the first battle that they fought by themselves (it was the Lord himself who fought in the battle of Jericho). The defeat broke his hope as well. Joshua, as the commander-in-chief, was greatly troubled and distressed.

Joshua prays to the Lord

Joshua prayed to the Lord. “Alas, O Lord God, why did You ever bring these people over the Jordan, only to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? If only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordan!” His prayer was very similar to what the Israelites murmured in the desert. However, he clarified his intention at the end. (1) The Israelites turned their back on the enemy. (2) The Canaanites will gain confidence as they hear about it and will come to attack the Israelites. (3) As a result, the name of Israel will be cut off from the earth. (4) The Israelites are God’s nation. For their name to be cut off from the earth means that the great name of the Lord will be put to shame. Joshua’s main interest was “the glory of God.” Moses once prayed the same prayer (ref. Ex. 32:11–14). One who is used by God as a vessel, desires and works diligently for God’s glory to shine. Even Jesus himself prayed, “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do” (Jo. 17:4). Let us meditate on what we must change to live a life glorifying God.