For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name? (Joshua 7:9)
However much Joshua was concerned about Israel’s fortunes, he was even more concerned for Jehovah’s name. Surely God would not allow it to be ridiculed, would He? Moses had used the same argument upon several occasions (Ex. 32:12; Num. 14:13-16; Deut. 9:28). God Himself made use of it in the song He bade Moses teach the people (Deut. 32:26, 27). We should ever remember that our faithfulness or unfaithfulness involves the honor not only of the church but of God’s name.