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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 7:6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/7-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/06_Jos_07_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 7:6 - Israel Defeated at Ai" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads." /><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/7-6.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/7-6.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 6</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="/ad6.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/7-5.htm" title="Joshua 7:5">◄</a> Joshua 7:6 <a href="/joshua/7-7.htm" title="Joshua 7:7">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/joshua/7.htm">New International Version</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads. <a href="/nlt/joshua/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed face down to the ground before the Ark of the LORD until evening. <a href="/esv/joshua/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel. And they put dust on their heads. <a href="/bsb/joshua/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. <a href="/kjv/joshua/7.htm">King James Bible</a> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/7.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the ground on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. <a href="/nasb/joshua/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. <a href="/lsb/joshua/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of Yahweh until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. <a href="/amp/joshua/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell face downward on the ground before the ark of the LORD until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and [with great sorrow] they put dust on their heads. <a href="/csb/joshua/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; they all put dust on their heads. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the ark of the LORD with his face to the ground until evening, as did the elders of Israel; they all put dust on their heads.&#8221 <a href="/asv/joshua/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of Jehovah until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust upon their heads. <a href="/cev/joshua/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Joshua and the leaders of Israel tore their clothes and put dirt on their heads to show their sorrow. They lay facedown on the ground in front of the sacred chest until sunset. <a href="/erv/joshua/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust upon their heads. <a href="/gwt/joshua/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Joshua and the leaders of Israel tore their clothes in grief. They put dust on their heads and bowed down to the ground in front of the LORD's ark. They stayed there until evening. <a href="/gnt/joshua/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> Joshua and the leaders of Israel tore their clothes in grief, threw themselves to the ground before the LORD's Covenant Box, and lay there till evening, with dust on their heads to show their sorrow. <a href="/isv/joshua/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> At this, Joshua tore his clothes, fell down to the ground on his face before the ark of the LORD until evening—he and the leaders of Israel—and they covered their heads with dust. <a href="/msb/joshua/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. <a href="/net/joshua/7.htm">NET Bible</a> Joshua tore his clothes; he and the leaders of Israel lay face down on the ground before the ark of the LORD until evening and threw dirt on their heads. <a href="/nheb/joshua/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. <a href="/wbt/joshua/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. <a href="/web/joshua/7.htm">World English Bible</a> Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before Yahweh’s ark until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Joshua tears his garments, and falls on his face to the earth before the Ark of YHWH until the evening, he and [the] elderly of Israel, and they cause dust to go up on their head. <a href="/ylt/joshua/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Joshua rendeth his garments, and falleth on his face to the earth before the ark of Jehovah till the evening, he and the elders of Israel, and they cause dust to go up on their head. <a href="/slt/joshua/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joshua will rend his garments and will fall upon his face to the earth before the ark of Jehovah even till evening, he and the old men of Israel; and they will lift up dust upon their heads.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But Josue rent his garments, and fell flat on the ground before the ark of the Lord until the evening, both he and all the ancients of Israel: and they put dust upon their heads. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And truly, Joshua tore his garments, and he fell prone on the ground before the ark of the Lord, even until evening, both he and all the elders of Israel. And they cast dust upon their heads. <a href="/nabre/joshua/7.htm">New American Bible</a> Joshua, together with the elders of Israel, tore their garments and fell face down before the ark of the LORD until evening; and they threw dust on their heads. <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the ground on his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yeshua ripped his clothes and he fell on his face on the Earth, and the Elders of Israel, before the ark of LORD JEHOVAH until that evening, and they cast dust on their heads<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust upon their heads. <a href="/sep/joshua/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/joshua/7-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=1417" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/7.htm">Israel Defeated at Ai</a> …5And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water. 6<a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Then Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/7167.htm" title="7167: way·yiq·ra‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To tear. A primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively.">tore</a> <a href="/hebrew/8071.htm" title="8071: śim·lō·ṯāw (N-fpc:: 3ms) -- A wrapper, mantle. Perhaps by permutation for the feminine of cemel; a dress, especially a mantle.">his clothes</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: way·yip·pōl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">and fell</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></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.">facedown</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: ’ă·rō·wn (N-csc) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/6153.htm" title="6153: hā·‘e·reḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Evening. From arab; dusk.">evening,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: wə·ziq·nê (Conj-w:: Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">as did the elders</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.">of Israel;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: way·ya·‘ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">and they all sprinkled</a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: ‘ā·p̄ār (N-ms) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">dust</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">their heads.</a> 7“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!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Numbers 14:6</a> Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12</a> That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. <a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11</a> Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. <a href="/2_kings/19-1.htm">2 Kings 19:1</a> On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Ezra 9:3-5</a> When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror. / Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering. / At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation with my tunic and cloak torn, and I fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God, <a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Nehemiah 9:1</a> On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads. <a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a> Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, <a href="/isaiah/37-1.htm">Isaiah 37:1</a> On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. <a href="/jeremiah/4-8.htm">Jeremiah 4:8</a> So put on sackcloth, mourn and wail, for the fierce anger of the LORD has not turned away from us.” <a href="/lamentations/2-10.htm">Lamentations 2:10</a> The elders of the Daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence. They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground. <a href="/joel/1-13.htm">Joel 1:13</a> Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, because the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God. <a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a> Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” <a href="/mark/14-35.htm">Mark 14:35</a> Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him. <a href="/luke/22-41.htm">Luke 22:41</a> And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, <a href="/acts/14-14.htm">Acts 14:14</a> But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust on their heads.rent<a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29,34</a> And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes… <a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Numbers 14:6</a> And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:<a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">2 Samuel 13:31</a> Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.fell<a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22,45</a> And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? … <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">2 Samuel 12:16</a> David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.until the eventide<a href="/judges/20-23.htm">Judges 20:23,26</a> (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.) … <a href="/judges/21-2.htm">Judges 21:2</a> And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;<a href="/2_samuel/1-12.htm">2 Samuel 1:12</a> And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.<a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12</a> And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.<a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">2 Samuel 13:19</a> And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.<a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Nehemiah 9:1</a> Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/6-13.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-10.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/29-5.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-24.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/joshua/5-14.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-7.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/joshua/5-10.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/genesis/24-63.htm">Eventide</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-21.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/7-3.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-36.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Rendeth</a> <a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/numbers/19-20.htm">Sprinkled</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/9-21.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Tore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/8-33.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/joshua/8-10.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/joshua/9-5.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/joshua/7-9.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/joshua/8-10.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">Eventide</a> <a href="/joshua/14-1.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/joshua/7-8.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/joshua/7-7.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/10-28.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/judges/14-6.htm">Rendeth</a> <a href="/joshua/9-4.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-33.htm">Sprinkled</a> <a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Tore</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 7</div>1. <a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">The Israelites are smitten at Ai</a> 6. <a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua's complaint</a> 10. <a href="/joshua/7-10.htm">God instructs him what to do</a> 16. <a href="/joshua/7-16.htm">Achan is taken by the lot</a> 19. <a href="/joshua/7-19.htm">His confession</a> 24. <a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">He and all he had are destroyed in the valley of Achor</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Then Joshua tore his clothes Tearing one's clothes was a traditional expression of grief, mourning, or distress in ancient Israelite culture. This act signifies Joshua's deep anguish and repentance after Israel's defeat at Ai. It reflects a common biblical practice seen in other instances, such as when Jacob believed Joseph was dead (<a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a>) and when King Hezekiah heard the blasphemies of the Assyrian king (<a href="/2_kings/19.htm">2 Kings 19:1</a>).and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD Falling facedown is a posture of humility and submission, often used in prayer and worship. The ark of the LORD represents God's presence among His people, and Joshua's position indicates his seeking of divine guidance and mercy. This act parallels other biblical figures who sought God's intervention, such as Moses (<a href="/numbers/16-4.htm">Numbers 16:4</a>) and David (<a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">1 Chronicles 21:16</a>).until evening The duration of Joshua's prostration underscores the seriousness of the situation and his earnestness in seeking God's will. It suggests a prolonged period of prayer and reflection, emphasizing the gravity of Israel's sin and the need for divine intervention.as did the elders of Israel The involvement of the elders indicates a communal aspect of repentance and leadership responsibility. The elders, as representatives of the people, join Joshua in seeking God's forgiveness and guidance, highlighting the collective nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God.and they all sprinkled dust on their heads Sprinkling dust on one's head is another sign of mourning and repentance, symbolizing humility and the recognition of human frailty. This act is seen in other biblical contexts, such as Job's lament (<a href="/job/2-12.htm">Job 2:12</a>) and the repentance of the Ninevites (<a href="/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6</a>). It signifies a plea for God's mercy and a return to His favor.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. His tearing of clothes and prostration signify deep distress and humility before God. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elders_of_israel.htm">Elders of Israel</a> Leaders among the Israelites who joined Joshua in mourning, indicating a collective leadership response to the crisis. 3. <a href="/topical/a/ark_of_the_lord.htm">Ark of the LORD</a> The sacred chest representing God's presence among His people. Joshua and the elders prostrate before it, seeking divine guidance and forgiveness. 4. <a href="/topical/t/tearing_of_clothes.htm">Tearing of Clothes</a> A traditional expression of grief, repentance, or distress in ancient Israelite culture. 5. <a href="/topical/p/putting_dust_on_their_heads.htm">Putting Dust on Their Heads</a> Another cultural expression of mourning and humility, symbolizing repentance and acknowledgment of human frailty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a> Joshua's actions remind us of the importance of approaching God with humility, especially in times of failure or crisis. <a href="/topical/c/collective_leadership_responsibility.htm">Collective Leadership Responsibility</a> The involvement of the elders highlights the need for leaders to unite in seeking God's guidance and forgiveness for the community. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_expressions_of_repentance.htm">Cultural Expressions of Repentance</a> Understanding the cultural context of mourning and repentance can deepen our appreciation for biblical accounts and their applications today. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_presence.htm">Seeking God's Presence</a> The focus on the Ark of the LORD underscores the necessity of seeking God's presence and guidance in times of trouble. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> The act of mourning and repentance is a precursor to seeking restoration and moving forward in God's plan.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 7</a> <a href="/q/is_dove_droppings_worth_5_shekels.htm">Who was Achan and what were the accursed things?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_achan_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Achan in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_are_joshua_and_jesus_similar.htm">How are Joshua and Jesus similar?</a> <a href="/q/is_'adam'_in_hosea_6_7_an_anachronism.htm">In Hosea 6:7, is the reference to 'Adam' a historical anachronism, and can it be confirmed or disproven archeologically?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) Joshua rent his clothes . . .--The words of Joshua and his behaviour on this occasion are consistent with all that we read of him, and confirm the notion that he was not a man of a naturally daring and adventurous spirit, but inclined to distrust his own powers; and yet utterly indomitable and unflinching in the discharge of his duty--a man of moral rather than physical courage.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - And Joshua rent his clothes. A token of grief usual among the Jews (see <a href="/genesis/37-29.htm">Genesis 37:29</a>, 84; 44:13, etc. Knobel cites <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10</a>); and though Joshua was not the high priest, yet from his peculiar position he might be expected to adopt somewhat of the high priest's demeanour, and at least not to display this outward sign of grief without the strongest reason. The words "before the ark" are omitted in the LXX. And put dust on their heads. A sign of still more abject humiliation. The head, the noblest part of man, was thus placed beneath the dust of the ground from whence he was taken (see <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">2 Samuel 1:2</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">2 Samuel 13:19</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">2 Samuel 15:32</a>; <a href="/1_kings/20-38.htm">1 Kings 20:38</a>; <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Job 2:12</a>; <a href="/lamentations/2-10.htm">Lamentations 2:10</a>). It was a common custom among the Greeks. (See Lucian, De Luetu, 12). Homer mentions the custom (Iliad, 18). Pope's translation runs thus: - "Cast on the ground, with furious hands he spread The scorching ashes o'er his graceful head. His purple garments and his golden hairs, Those he deforms with dust, and these he tears." Lines 26-30. <a href="/commentaries/joshua/7-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites tore וַיִּקְרַ֨ע (way·yiq·ra‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7167.htm">Strong's 7167: </a> To rend his clothes שִׂמְלֹתָ֗יו (śim·lō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8071.htm">Strong's 8071: </a> A dress, a mantle and fell וַיִּפֹּל֩ (way·yip·pōl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie facedown לִפְנֵ֨י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face before פָּנָ֨יו (pā·nāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the ark אֲר֤וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> A chest, ark of the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while evening, הָעֶ֔רֶב (hā·‘e·reḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6153.htm">Strong's 6153: </a> Evening as did the elders וְזִקְנֵ֣י (wə·ziq·nê) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> Old of Israel; יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and they all sprinkled וַיַּעֲל֥וּ (way·ya·‘ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively dust עָפָ֖ר (‘ā·p̄ār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> Dust, clay, earth, mud on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against their heads. רֹאשָֽׁם׃ (rō·šām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">OT History: Joshua 7:6 Joshua tore his clothes and fell (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/7-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 7:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 7:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/7-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 7:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 7:7" /></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>