This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.
We have here God's answer to Joshua's address, which, we may suppose, came from the oracle over the ark, before which Joshua had prostrated himself, v. 6. Those that desire to know the will of God must attend with their desires upon the lively oracles, and wait at wisdom's gates for wisdom's dictates, Pro 8:34.
Commenting on Joshua 7:10-15
Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies,.... Being forsaken of God for the sin committed among them: but turned their backs before their enemies: had not courage to face them, but fled as soon as they appeared: because they were accursed; of God for the accursed thing that had been taken, as was threatened would be their case, should they take...
THE ISRAELITES SMITTEN AT AI. (Jos. 7:2-26) Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai--After the sacking of Jericho, the next step was to penetrate into the hills above. Accordingly, spies went up the mountain pass to view the country. The precise site of Ai, or Hai, is indicated with sufficient clearness (Gen 12:8; Gen 13:3) and has been recently discovered in an isolated tell, called...
Commenting on Joshua 7:2-26