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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 7:8 O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/7-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/06_Jos_07_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 7:8 - Israel Defeated at Ai" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/7-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/7-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/7-7.htm" title="Joshua 7:7">◄</a> Joshua 7:8 <a href="/joshua/7-9.htm" title="Joshua 7:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Pardon your servant, Lord. What can I say, now that Israel has been routed by its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />O Lord, what can I say, when Israel has turned their backs before their enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />O Lord, what shall I say when Israel turns its back before its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />O Lord, what can I say since Israel has turned <i>their</i> back before their enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220O Lord, what can I say since Israel has turned their back before their enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“O Lord, what can I say since Israel has turned <i>their</i> back before their enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />O Lord, what can I say since Israel has turned <i>their</i> back before their enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />O Lord, what can I say now that [the army of] Israel has turned back [in retreat and fled] before their enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What can I say, Lord, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What can I say, Lord, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel hath turned their backs before their enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I don't even know what to say to you, since Israel's army has turned and run from the enemy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Oh Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel hath turned their backs before their enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Lord, what else can I say after Israel ran away from its enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />What can I say, O Lord, now that Israel has retreated from the enemy? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Lord, what am I to say, now that Israel has run away from its enemies? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If only we had been satisfied to live on the other side of the Jordan! O Lord, what can I say now that Israel has retreated before its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel has turned their backs before their enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turn their backs before their enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after Israel has turned their backs before their enemies? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Oh, Lord, what do I say, after that Israel has turned the neck before its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Oh, Lord, what do I say, after that Israel hath turned the neck before its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />With leave, O Lord, what to say, after that Israel turned back the neck before his enemies.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />My Lord God, what shall I say, seeing Israel turning their backs to their enemies? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />My Lord God, what shall I say, seeing Israel turning their backs to their enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Please, Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back to its enemies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned their backs to their enemies!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now, what shall I say, when Israel has turned their backs before their enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And what therefore shall I say when Israel has turned his back before his enemies?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel hath turned their backs before their enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And what shall I say since Israel has turned his back before his enemy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/7-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=1445" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/7.htm">Israel Defeated at Ai</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>“O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/994.htm" title="994: bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- Perhaps from ba'ah; properly, a request; used only adverbially; Oh that!; with leave, or if it please.">O</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">Lord,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">can I say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">now that</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/2015.htm" title="2015: hā·p̄aḵ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To turn, overturn. A primitive root; to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert.">has turned</a> <a href="/hebrew/6203.htm" title="6203: ‘ō·rep̄ (N-ms) -- Back of the neck, neck. From araph; the nape or back of the neck; hence, the back generally.">its back</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">and run from</a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ’ō·yə·ḇāw (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 3ms) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">its enemies?</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-41.htm">Deuteronomy 1:41-45</a></span><br />“We have sinned against the LORD,” you replied. “We will go up and fight, as the LORD our God has commanded us.” Then each of you put on his weapons of war, thinking it easy to go up into the hill country. / But the LORD said to me, “Tell them not to go up and fight, for I am not with you to keep you from defeat by your enemies.” / So I spoke to you, but you would not listen. You rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/14-39.htm">Numbers 14:39-45</a></span><br />And when Moses relayed these words to all the Israelites, the people mourned bitterly. / Early the next morning they got up and went up toward the ridge of the hill country. “We have indeed sinned,” they said, “but we will go to the place the LORD has promised.” / But Moses said, “Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23</a></span><br />They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">1 Samuel 4:3-11</a></span><br />When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why has the LORD brought defeat on us before the Philistines today? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us to save us from the hand of our enemies.” / So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. / When the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the camp, all the Israelites raised such a great shout that the ground shook. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-28.htm">2 Samuel 22:28</a></span><br />You save an afflicted people, but Your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-9.htm">Psalm 44:9-16</a></span><br />But You have rejected and humbled us; You no longer go forth with our armies. / You have made us retreat from the foe, and those who hate us have plundered us. / You have given us up as sheep to be devoured; You have scattered us among the nations. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-1.htm">Isaiah 59:1-2</a></span><br />Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. / But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-12.htm">Jeremiah 7:12-15</a></span><br />But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. / And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, / therefore what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears My Name, the house in which you trust, the place that I gave to you and your fathers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Lamentations 3:40-42</a></span><br />Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. / Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: / “We have sinned and rebelled; You have not forgiven.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/5-15.htm">Hosea 5:15</a></span><br />Then I will return to My place until they admit their guilt and seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-13.htm">1 Chronicles 10:13-14</a></span><br />So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a></span><br />and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-19.htm">Matthew 17:19-20</a></span><br />Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” / “Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-28.htm">Mark 9:28-29</a></span><br />After Jesus had gone into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” / Jesus answered, “This kind cannot come out, except by prayer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-40.htm">Luke 9:40-41</a></span><br />I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.” / “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">O LORD, what shall I say, when Israel turns their backs before their enemies!</p><p class="hdg">what shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/9-10.htm">Ezra 9:10</a></b></br> And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/2-1.htm">Habakkuk 2:1</a></b></br> I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Romans 3:5,6</a></b></br> But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? <i>Is</i> God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) … </p><p class="hdg">back [heb] necks </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/33-7.htm">Attackers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-5.htm">Backs</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-29.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-27.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/joshua/7-4.htm">Routed</a> <a href="/joshua/6-14.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/joshua/2-22.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-43.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/joshua/6-15.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">Attackers</a> <a href="/joshua/7-12.htm">Backs</a> <a href="/joshua/7-12.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/joshua/7-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/5-30.htm">Neck</a> <a href="/judges/4-15.htm">Routed</a> <a href="/joshua/7-12.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/joshua/7-12.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/joshua/7-26.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/joshua/8-15.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">The Israelites are smitten at Ai</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua's complaint</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/7-10.htm">God instructs him what to do</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/7-16.htm">Achan is taken by the lot</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/7-19.htm">His confession</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">He and all he had are destroyed in the valley of Achor</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>O Lord, what can I say</b><br>This phrase reflects Joshua's deep distress and confusion. As the leader of Israel, Joshua is in a position of responsibility and accountability before God. His cry to the Lord is a plea for understanding and guidance. This moment of vulnerability is reminiscent of other biblical leaders who sought God's wisdom in times of crisis, such as Moses in <a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11-14</a>. It highlights the importance of seeking divine counsel when faced with overwhelming challenges.<p><b>now that Israel has turned its back</b><br>The phrase "turned its back" signifies a retreat or defeat, which was a significant event for Israel, a nation that had experienced miraculous victories under God's guidance. This turning away can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual failure or disobedience, as Israel had sinned by taking devoted things from Jericho (<a href="/joshua/7.htm">Joshua 7:1</a>). Theologically, it underscores the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and restoration. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a>, where turning back to God is associated with healing and forgiveness.<p><b>and run from its enemies?</b><br>The act of running from enemies was a reversal of the victories Israel had experienced, such as the fall of Jericho in <a href="/joshua/6.htm">Joshua 6</a>. This defeat at Ai was unexpected and demoralizing, serving as a reminder of the conditional nature of God's promises, which required obedience and faithfulness. Historically, the city of Ai was strategically important, and its conquest was crucial for Israel's continued success in the Promised Land. Theologically, this defeat illustrates the principle that victory is dependent on God's presence and favor, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-7.htm">Deuteronomy 28:7</a>, where obedience leads to triumph over enemies.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. In this verse, he is expressing his distress and confusion to God after a military defeat.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are in the process of conquering the Promised Land but have just suffered a setback at Ai.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ai.htm">Ai</a></b><br>A city in Canaan where the Israelites faced a surprising defeat due to disobedience within their ranks.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/achan.htm">Achan</a></b><br>Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Achan's sin of taking forbidden items from Jericho is the underlying cause of Israel's defeat at Ai.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, to whom Joshua is praying for guidance and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Sin has communal consequences, affecting not just the individual but the entire community. Achan's sin led to Israel's defeat.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Obedience to God's commands is crucial for success. Disobedience leads to failure and separation from God's blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god_in_times_of_trouble.htm">Seeking God in Times of Trouble</a></b><br>Like Joshua, we should turn to God in prayer when facing difficulties, seeking His guidance and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_repentance.htm">The Need for Repentance</a></b><br>Acknowledging and repenting of sin is necessary to restore our relationship with God and regain His favor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_despite_our_failures.htm">God's Faithfulness Despite Our Failures</a></b><br>Even when we fail, God remains faithful and provides a way for restoration and victory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'face_to_face_with_god'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of a spirit of fear?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_hornets.htm">What does the Bible mention about hornets?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_deut._7_16_align_with_israel's_losses.htm">How can Deuteronomy 7:16's promise of victory over enemies be reconciled with records of Israel's military setbacks in other biblical accounts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_levi's_landlessness_align_biblically.htm">How does Deuteronomy 10:8's statement that Levi had no land inheritance align with inherited lands described in other biblical texts?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">What shall I say?</span> To encourage the people who will be downcast by this defeat, while their enemies will gather courage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/7-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">O</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_994.htm">Strong's 994: </a> </span><span class="str2">Oh that!, with leave, if it please</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Lord,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can I say,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹמַ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">now that</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֠חֲרֵי</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has turned</span><br /><span class="heb">הָפַ֧ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·p̄aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2015.htm">Strong's 2015: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its back</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹ֖רֶף</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·rep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6203.htm">Strong's 6203: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nape, back of the neck, the back</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and run from</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its enemies?</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹיְבָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·yə·ḇāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hating, an adversary</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/7-8.htm">Joshua 7:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/7-8.htm">OT History: Joshua 7:8 Oh Lord what shall I say after (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/7-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 7:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 7:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/7-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 7:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 7:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>