The Wise Joshua Did Not Know the Source of the Problem 

The army of Ai defeated the Israelites easily, and Joshua could not figure out why, assuming the Lord had forsaken them, “Alas, Lord God, why have You brought this people over the Jordan at all—to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? Oh, that we had been content, and dwelt on the other side of the Jordan! O Lord, what shall I say when Israel turns its back before its enemies? For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear it, and surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” (Joshua 7.7–9).

Joshua was even willing to dwell on the East side of the Jordan, instead of facing great humiliation from their enemies.

However, notice that the last thing Joshua said connected the name of Israel with the name of God, and if Israel suffered defeat, that would dishonor the name of God.

God then revealed to Joshua the problem, and he fixed it immediately, then Israel went back to winning their battles. DR

A Sword through Your Soul 

Mary heard wonderful things about her son Jesus around the time of His birth, but she also heard some troubling things, “Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed’” (Luke 2.34–35).

Simeon revealed to Mary that some people in Israel would fall because of Jesus, and that people would speak against Him, and worse yet, a sword would pierce through her soul, undoubtedly referring to her witnessing His crucifixion. DR