7:9a
When: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as When introduces more of Joshua’s thoughts about Israel’s defeat. Some English versions translate this as “For” and others omit it. Use a natural option for your language in this context.
the Canaanites and all who live in the land: This phrase refers to all the people of the country. The Canaanites were one of the groups of people who lived in the land of Canaan.
Here is another way to translate this phrase:
The Canaanites and all the other people in this country (New Century Version)
Canaanites: The name Canaanites refers to the people who live in Canaan.
Here is another way to translate this word:
Canaan people
hear about this: The phrase hear about this indicates that the people who lived in the land will find out that Israel was defeated by Ai.
7:9b
they will surround us: The clause they will surround us states the result of their defeat. After the people hear about Israel’s defeat at Ai, they will attack Israel. In some languages it may be clearer to make the result explicit. For example,
The Canaanites and other people in the land will hear about this. Then they will surround us ⌊and attack us (excl.)⌋
and wipe out our name from the earth: The Hebrew expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wipe out our name from the earth is an idiom. It includes two ideas:
(a) They will kill all the Israelites.
(b) When the Israelites are dead, no one will speak their names or remember them anymore.
In some languages it may be clearer to express both these ideas. For example:
Then they will kill us (excl.) all, and no one will remember us anymore
7:9c
Then: The Hebrew connector that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then introduces another result of their defeat. Some English versions do not translate this connector. For example:
What will you do to protect your great reputation? (NET Bible)
what will You do for Your great name?: In modern English this reads: what will You do for Your great name? This is a rhetorical question. It functions as a strong statement that God’s reputation will be damaged.
Here are two ways to translate this strong statement:
• As a rhetorical question. For example:
And then what will happen to the honor of your great name? (New Living Translation (2004))
• As a statement. For example:
Then people will dishonor your great name. You will not be able to let them know how great you are.
Express this strong statement in a natural way in your language.
great name: The phrase great name refers to what people think about God. People thought that Yahweh was a great and powerful God. A god should be able to give his people success in battle.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
What will you do to protect your great reputation? (NET Bible)
-or-
You will not be able to make people believe that you are a great God
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