Joshua 7:6 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And Joshua rent his clothes In testimony of great sorrow for the loss felt, the consequent mischief feared, and the sin which he suspected. The outward marks of sorrow exhibited on this occasion by Joshua and the elders, are well known to have been usually shown in those ages when people were afflicted with grief on account of any great calamity, or the commission of any extraordinary crime. Fell to the earth upon his face In deep humiliation and fervent supplication. Before the ark of the Lord Not in the sanctuary, but with his face toward it. Until the even-tide Continuing the whole day in fasting and prayer. And put dust upon their heads Which was still a higher expression of great grief, and of a deep sense of their unworthiness to be relieved.