The prophet had to write some bitter things which often made his heart sad; he was a man of strife and contention to the whole earth; he had to rebuke sharply for sin, and tell his own people of their coming judgments, that they would be carried away into captivity to Babylon; this raised him up enemies and persecutors for his faithfulness; but he appeals to his God; he was not left without comfort and help. God strengthened him by His Word: this Word which others hated and despised he found his greatest consolation. So is it still with the godly man; let us note a few things in this passage for our instruction, dear reader.

God had done much for Israel. Their wilderness wanderings were at an end. They had crossed the Jordan, entered upon the fair land of promise. They had seen Jericho's walls fall prostrate before the Ark of God; and now, with full confidence they march on to Ai. But here they meet with a reverse, which humbles their leader, Joshua, and drives him to his God in prayer. God soon reveals the cause, "Israel hath sinned," therefore their enemies have triumphed over them; there is an Achan in the camp.