Joshua 7:6-15

The Defeat before Ai. Joshua's Prayer

6. And Joshua rent his clothes in token of sorrow and distress (comp. Leviticus 10:6; Leviticus 21:10). The clothes were torn in front over the breast, yet for not more than a handbreadth. In Patriarchal times we read of Reuben rending his clothes, because "Joseph was not in the pit" (Genesis 37:29); of Jacob rending his clothes, and "mourning for his son many days" (Genesis 37:34); of Joseph's brethren that they rent their clothes, when they found the cup in Benjamin's sack (Genesis 44:13). For the same custom among the Romans compare Juvenal xiii. 131

"Nemo dolorem Fingit in hoc casu, vestem diducere summamContentus."

and put dust upon their heads Likewise a sign of mourning. Comp. the young man of Benjamin running to Shiloh with tidings of the battle, his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head(1 Samuel 4:12); the man coming from the camp to David with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head(2 Samuel 1:2). See also 2Sa 13:19; 2 Samuel 15:32. Comp. Hom. Il. 18:25, 24:164.