Joshua 7
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The children of Israel committed a trespass - It is certain that one only was guilty; and yet the trespass is imputed here to the whole congregation; and the whole congregation soon suffered shame and disgrace on the account, as their armies were defeated, thirty-six persons slain, and general terror spread through the whole camp. Being one body, God attributes the crime of the individual to the whole till the trespass was discovered, and by a public act of justice inflicted on the culprit the congregation had purged itself of the iniquity. This was done to render every man extremely cautious, and to make the people watchful over each other, that sin might be no where tolerated or connived at, as one transgression might bring down the wrath of God upon the whole camp. See on Jos 7:12 (note). The accursed thing - A portion of the spoils of the city of Jericho, the whole of which God had commanded to be destroyed. For Achan, the son of Carmi, etc. - Judah had two sons by Tamar: Pharez and Zarah. Zarah was father of Zabdi, and Zabdi of Carmi, the father of Achan. These five persons extend through a period of 265 years; and hence Calmet concludes that they could not have had children before they were fifty or fifty-five years of age. This Achan, son of Zabdi, is called, in Ch1 2:6, Achar, son of Zimrie; but this reading is corrected into Achan by some MSS. in the place above cited.
Open source ↗ACHAN'S TRESPASS. (Jos 7:1) the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing--There was one transgressor against the cherem, or ban, on Jericho, and his transgression brought the guilt and disgrace of sin upon the whole nation. Achan--called afterwards "Achar" ("trouble") (Ch1 2:7). Zabdi--or Zimri (Ch1 2:6). Zerah--or Zarah, son of Judah and Tamar (Gen 38:30). His genealogy is given probably to show that from a parentage so infamous the descendants would not be carefully trained in the fear of God.
Open source ↗But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing,.... Or concerning it, with respect to it, by taking part of what was devoted to another use, and forbidden theirs: this was done, not by the whole body of the people, only by one of them; but it not being discovered who it was, it was imputed to the whole, on whom it lay to find out the guilty person and punish him, or else the whole must suffer for it: this chapter begins with a "but", and draws a vail over the fame and glory of Joshua, observed in Jos 6:27, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing; of what was devoted to the Lord and to sacred uses; this he had taken to himself out of the spoil of the city of Jericho, for his own use, contrary to the command of God: his descent is particularly described, that it might be known of what family and tribe he was; and it is traced up to Zerah, who was a son of Judah, Gen 38:30, and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel; because of the sin of Achan.
Open source ↗At Jericho the Lord had made known to the Canaanites His great and holy name; but before Ai the Israelites were to learn that He would also sanctify Himself on them if they transgressed His covenant, and that the congregation of the Lord could only conquer the power of the world so long as it was faithful to His covenant. But notwithstanding the command which Joshua had enforced upon the people (Jos 6:18), Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, laid hands upon the property in Jericho which had been banned, and thus brought the ban upon the children of Israel, the whole nation. His breach of trust is described as unfaithfulness (a trespass) on the part of the children of Israel in the ban, in consequence of which the anger of the Lord was kindled against the whole nation. מעל מעל, to commit a breach of trust (see at Lev 5:15), generally against Jehovah, by purloining or withholding what was sanctified to Him, here in the matter of the ban, by appropriating what had been banned to the Lord. This crime was imputed to the whole people, not as imputatio moralis, i.e., as though the whole nation had shared in Achan's disposition, and cherished in their hearts the same sinful desire which Achan had carried out in action in the theft he had committed; but as imputatio civilis, according to which Achan, a member of the nation, had robbed the whole nation of the purity and holiness which it ought to possess before God, through the sin that he had committed, just as the whole body is affected by the sin of a single member. (Note: In support of this I cannot do better than quote the most important of the remarks which I made in my former commentary (Keil on Joshua, pp. 177-8, Eng. trans.): "However truly the whole Scriptures speak of each man as individually an object of divine mer…
Open source ↗The story of this chapter begins with a but. The Lord was with Joshua, and his fame was noised through all that country, so the foregoing chapter ends, and it left no room to doubt but that he would go on as he had begun conquering and to conquer. He did right, and observed his orders in every thing. But the children of Israel committed a trespass, and so set God against them; and then even Joshua's name and fame, his wisdom and courage, could do them no service. If we lose our God, we lose our friends, who cannot help us unless God be for us. Now here is, I. Achan sinning, Jos 7:1. Here is only a general mention made of the sin; we shall afterwards have a more particular account of it from his own mouth. The sin is here said to be taking of the accursed thing, in disobedience to the command and in defiance of the threatening, Jos 6:18. In the sacking of Jericho orders were given that they should neither spare any lives nor take any treasure to themselves; we read not of the breach of the former prohibition (there were none to whom they showed any mercy), but of the latter: compassion was put off and yielded to the law, but covetousness was indulged. The love of the world is that root of bitterness which of all others is most hardly rooted up. Yet the history of Achan is a plain intimation that he of all the thousands of Israel was the only delinquent in this matter. Had there been more in like manner guilty, no doubt we should have heard of it: and it is strange there were no more. The temptation was strong. It was easy to suggest what a pity it was that so many things of value should be burnt; to what purpose is this waste? In plundering cities, every man reckons himself entitled to what he can lay his hands on. It was easy to promise themselves secrecy and impunity.…
Open source ↗7:1-26 Now that Jericho belonged to Israel, Joshua’s first military problem involved securing a foothold in the hill country. The conquest of Jericho inspired Israel’s confidence and consigned the people of Canaan to discouragement and despair. Yet everything hinged on Israel’s obedience to God. One man’s sin and its consequences demonstrate how serious was the command to destroy Jericho (see “Complete Dedication” Theme Note). 7:1 things set apart for the Lord: See Lev 27:28-29; 1 Sam 15:3. • son of Zerah: Achan belonged to a prominent family (Num 26:19-20) and was a leader or a potential leader, so his actions would be influential.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity מָעַל (mâʻal, H4603) — properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. treacherously מַעַל (maʻal, H4604) — treachery, i.e. sin חֵרֶם (chêrem, H2764) — physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed… עָכָן (ʻÂkân, H5912) — Akan, an Israelite כַּרְמִי (Karmîy, H3756) — Karmi, the name of three Israelites זַבְדִּי (Zabdîy, H2067) — Zabdi, the name of four Israelites זֶרַח (Zerach, H2226) — Zerach, the name of three Israelites, also of an Idumaean and an Ethiopian prince מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) אַף (ʼaph, H639) — properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) יְרִיחוֹ (Yᵉrîychôw, H3405) — Jericho or Jerecho, a place in Palestine עַי (ʻAy, H5857) — Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine עִם (ʻim, H5973) — adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction with), in varied applications;… בֵּית אָוֶן (Bêyth ʼÂven, H1007) — Beth-Aven, a place in Palestine קֶדֶם (qedem, H6924) — the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the East) or time (antiquity);… בֵּית־אֵל (Bêyth-ʼÊl, H1008) — Beth-El, a place in Palestine אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… רָגַל (râgal, H7270) — to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be atale-bearer… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Open source ↗שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice אֶלֶף (ʼeleph, H505) — hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as… אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) עַי (ʻAy, H5857) — Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine יָגַע (yâgaʻ, H3021) — properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil מְעַט (mᵉʻaṭ, H4592) — a little or few (often adverbial or compar.)
Open source ↗עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice אֶלֶף (ʼeleph, H505) — hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as… אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… נוּס (nûwç, H5127) — to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) עַי (ʻAy, H5857) — Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine
Open source ↗אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) עַי (ʻAy, H5857) — Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) שְׁלוֹשִׁים (shᵉlôwshîym, H7970) — thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth שֵׁשׁ (shêsh, H8337) — six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. sixth אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… רָדַף (râdaph, H7291) — to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively (of time) gone by) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… שַׁעַר (shaʻar, H8179) — an opening, i.e. door or gate שְׁבָרִים (Shᵉbârîym, H7671) — Shebarim, a place in Palestine מוֹרָד (môwrâd, H4174) — a descent; as architecture, an ornamental appendage, perhaps a festoon לֵבָב (lêbâb, H3824) — the heart (as the most interior organ); עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… מָסַס (mâçaç, H4549) — to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)
Open source ↗יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader קָרַע (qâraʻ, H7167) — to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them) שִׂמְלָה (simlâh, H8071) — a dress, especially a mantle נָפַל (nâphal, H5307) — to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אָרוֹן (ʼârôwn, H727) — a box יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עֶרֶב (ʻereb, H6153) — dusk זָקֵן (zâqên, H2205) — old יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… עָפָר (ʻâphâr, H6083) — dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of…
Open source ↗יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אֲהָהּ (ʼăhâhh, H162) — Oh! אֲדֹנָי (ʼĂdônây, H136) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only) יְהֹוִה (Yᵉhôvih, H3069) — {YHWH} עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… יַרְדֵּן (Yardên, H3383) — Jarden, the principal river of Palestine נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), אֱמֹרִי (ʼĔmôrîy, H567) — an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes אָבַד (ʼâbad, H6) — properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy) לוּא (lûwʼ, H3863) — a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that! יָאַל (yâʼal, H2974) — properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition
Open source ↗בִּי (bîy, H994) — oh that!; with leave, or if it please אֲדֹנָי (ʼĂdônây, H136) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אַחַר (ʼachar, H310) — properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity הָפַךְ (hâphak, H2015) — to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert עֹרֶף (ʻôreph, H6203) — the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֹיֵב (ʼôyêb, H341) — hating; an adversary
Open source ↗כְּנַעַנִי (Kᵉnaʻanîy, H3669) — a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the Canaanites standing… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… סָבַב (çâbab, H5437) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to… שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) נָפַל (nâphal, H5307) — to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and…
Open source ↗יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity חָטָא (châṭâʼ, H2398) — properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit,… עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,… בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth, H1285) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh) צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) חֵרֶם (chêrem, H2764) — physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed… גָּנַב (gânab, H1589) — to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive כָּחַשׁ (kâchash, H3584) — to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe) שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity יָכֹל (yâkôl, H3201) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might) קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֹיֵב (ʼôyêb, H341) — hating; an adversary פָּנָה (pânâh, H6437) — to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. appear, look, etc. עֹרֶף (ʻôreph, H6203) — the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal… חֵרֶם (chêrem, H2764) — physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed… יָסַף (yâçaph, H3254) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing) לֹא (lôʼ, H3808) — not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles שָׁמַד (shâmad, H8045) — to desolate קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial…
Open source ↗קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) קָדַשׁ (qâdash, H6942) — to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) מָחָר (mâchâr, H4279) — properly, deferred, i.e. the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity חֵרֶם (chêrem, H2764) — physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed… קֶרֶב (qereb, H7130) — properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial… יָכֹל (yâkôl, H3201) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֹיֵב (ʼôyêb, H341) — hating; an adversary סוּר (çûwr, H5493) — to turn off (literal or figurative)
Open source ↗בֹּקֶר (bôqer, H1242) — properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning קָרַב (qârab, H7126) — to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose שֵׁבֶט (shêbeṭ, H7626) — a scion, i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God לָכַד (lâkad, H3920) — to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by… מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpâchâh, H4940) — a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) גֶּבֶר (geber, H1397) — properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Was not Achan son of Zerah unfaithful regarding what was set apart for destruction, bringing wrath upon the whole congregation of Israel? Yet it was not only Achan who perished because of his sin!’”
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
And now, would you turn away from the LORD? If you rebel today against the LORD, tomorrow He will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel.
This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He struck Israel.
“This is what the whole congregation of the LORD says: ‘What is this breach of faith you have committed today against the God of Israel by turning away from the LORD and building for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel against the LORD this day?
“Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”
They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and idols. So wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.
and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens.
To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You.