Joshua led the people after Moses' death. Though it was Moses who spoke with God face to face, Joshua still spoke with God. Leadership must speak with God. They must be speaking with Him and He must be speaking with them.
This is the golden era of Israel's history. There were failures, but they are notably dwarfed by the success God gave Israel in its conquest of the promised land of Canaan. Joshua had just come off the miraculous success of conquering Jericho toward the beginning of the conquest. Unknown to him, an Israelite named Achan had grabbed some of the expensive loot during the battle - something forbidden by God. As a result, God would not fight for Israel until the sin had been dealt with. So, when Israel went to do battle with Ai, they lost.
Joshua's reaction is so interesting to me. Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening . . . "Alas, O Lord God, why did You ever bring this 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. . ." (Josh 7:6-9) Was Joshua not the leader of Israel? He had such a long history with God. Yet, why did he fall apart? Why so despairing?
I remember similar things in Moses (Num 11:11-15) when he said to God, "why have You been so hard on Your servant?" Further Ex 33:12-16 shows the frustration Moses had with God. "See, you say to me, 'Bring up this people!' But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. . ."
We see similar things of David in the Psalms.
We see a similar note even in Jesus who cried out to His Father, "why have You forsaken Me?"
Why such falling apart among such godliness?
Maybe the better question would be why is there not more falling apart before God. Each of these had such intimacy with God, an obvious relationship with the God of the universe. When that fellowship went awry, each one cried out with vigor and passion - even if sometimes misdirected - to their Relation. So real was their connection to Him. So willing to direct whatever was in their hearts to Him. God does not want verbal dainties. He wants my heart.
So strong were they.
(Thank you, Lord)
