Joshua 7:8

“O Lord, what shall I say, etc.] 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.”

“What shall I say - In answer to the reproaches of our insulting enemies. When Israel - God's people, which he hath singled out of all nations for his own. Joshua 7:9”

“7:8-9 Joshua’s fears were realistic. All Canaan had thought that Israel was invincible. However, because tiny Ai had defeated Israel, the Canaanites might think it could happen again. • If God allowed the wicked to wipe his people off the face of the earth, the nations would not have a witness that God continues to be involved with his world. • your great name: Cp. Exod 32:11-12; Num 14:13-19.”

“what shall: Ezr 9:10; Hab 2:1; Rom 3:5, Rom 3:6 backs: Heb. necks Joshua 7:9”

“The question which Joshua addresses to God he introduces in this way: "Pray (בּי contracted from בּעי), Lord, what shall I say?" to modify the boldness of the question which follows. It was not because he did not know what to say, for he proceeded at once to pour out the thoughts of his heart, but because he felt that the thought which he was about to utter might involve a reproach, as if, when God permitted that disaster, He had not thought of His own honour; and as he could not possibly think this, he introduced his words with a supplicatory inquiry. What he proceeds to say in Jos 7:8, Jos 7:9, does not contain two co-ordinate clauses, but one simple thought: how would God uphold His great…”