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Joshua 7

BSB·26 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1The Israelitesבְנֵֽי־ḇə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, howeverיִשְׂרָאֵ֛לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, actedוַיִּמְעֲל֧וּway·yim·‘ă·lū — to act treacherously; betray trust through unfaithfulnessH4603 — Full Word Study → unfaithfullyמַ֖עַלma·‘al — Breach of trust, treachery, unfaithfulnessH4604 — Full Word Study → regarding the things devoted to destructionבַּחֵ֑רֶםba·ḥê·rem — devoted to destruction; accursed thing; netH2764 — Full Word Study →. Achanעָכָ֣ן‘ā·ḵān — TroublerH5912 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Carmiכַּרְמִי֩kar·mî — Vineyard or gardenH3756 — Full Word Study →, the sonבֶן־ḇen- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zabdiזַבְדִּ֨יzaḇ·dî — My GiftH2067 — Full Word Study →, the sonבֶן־ḇen- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zerahזֶ֜רַחze·raḥ — Rising, shiningH2226 — Full Word Study →, of the tribeלְמַטֵּ֤הlə·maṭ·ṭêh — Rod, staff, or tribeH4294 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָה֙yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →, tookוַיִּקַּ֡חway·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → some ofמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → what was set apartהַחֵ֔רֶםha·ḥê·rem — devoted to destruction; accursed thing; netH2764 — Full Word Study →. So the angerאַ֥ף’ap̄ — Anger, wrath, face, or noseH639 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → burnedוַיִּֽחַר־way·yi·ḥar- — to burn with anger, become incensedH2734 — Full Word Study → against the Israelitesבִּבְנֵ֥יbiḇ·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →. 2Meanwhile, Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֨עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → sentוַיִּשְׁלַח֩way·yiš·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → menאֲנָשִׁ֜ים’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → from Jerichoמִֽירִיח֗וֹmî·rî·ḥōw — City of palmsH3405 — Full Word Study → to Aiהָעַ֞יhā·‘ay — The HeapH5857 — Full Word Study →, whichאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → is nearעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → Beth-avenאָ֙וֶן֙’ā·wen — Beth-aven, a city in Benjamin's territoryH1007 — Full Word Study → to the eastמִקֶּ֣דֶםmiq·qe·ḏem — East; ancient times; beforeH6924 — Full Word Study → of Bethelאֵ֔ל’êl — House of GodH1008 — Full Word Study →, and told themוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Go upעֲל֖וּ‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → and spy outוְרַגְּל֣וּwə·rag·gə·lū — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study → the landהָאָ֑רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →.” So the menהָאֲנָשִׁ֔יםhā·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → went upוַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙way·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → and spied outוַֽיְרַגְּל֖וּway·rag·gə·lū — to spy out, scout, or gather intelligenceH7270 — Full Word Study → Aiהָעָֽי׃hā·‘āy — The HeapH5857 — Full Word Study →. 3On returningוַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּway·yā·šu·ḇū — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →, they reportedוַיֹּאמְר֣וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “There is no needאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → to send allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָם֒hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →; twoכְּאַלְפַּ֣יִםkə·’al·pa·yim — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → orא֚וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → threeכִּשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתkiš·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → thousandאֲלָפִ֣ים’ă·lā·p̄îm — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → men are enough to go upיַעֲל֖וּya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → and attackוְיַכּ֣וּwə·yak·kū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → Aiהָעָ֑יhā·‘āy — The HeapH5857 — Full Word Study →. Sinceכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the people of Aiהֵֽמָּה׃hêm·māh — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → are so fewמְעַ֖טmə·‘aṭ — A small amount; little; fewH4592 — Full Word Study →, you need notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → wear outתְּיַגַּע־tə·yag·ga‘- — to toil, labor, become wearyH3021 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → our peopleהָעָ֔םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → thereשָׁ֙מָּה֙šām·māh — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →.” 4So about threeכִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁתkiš·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → thousandאֲלָפִ֖ים’ă·lā·p̄îm — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → menאִ֑ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → went upוַיַּעֲל֤וּway·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study →, but they fledוַיָּנֻ֕סוּway·yā·nu·sū — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵ֖יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the menאַנְשֵׁ֥י’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → of Aiהָעָֽי׃hā·‘āy — The HeapH5857 — Full Word Study →. 5And the menאִ֔ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of Aiהָעַ֗יhā·‘ay — The HeapH5857 — Full Word Study → struck downוַיַּכּ֨וּway·yak·kū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → about thirty-six of themכִּשְׁלֹשִׁ֤יםkiš·lō·šîm — thirty; group of thirtyH7970 — Full Word Study →, chasing themוַֽיִּרְדְּפ֞וּםway·yir·də·p̄ūm — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → fromלִפְנֵ֤יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the gateהַשַּׁ֙עַר֙haš·ša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → as far asעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → the quarriesהַשְּׁבָרִ֔יםhaš·šə·ḇā·rîm — Ruins or BreakingsH7671 — Full Word Study → and striking them downוַיַּכּ֖וּםway·yak·kūm — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → on the slopesבַּמּוֹרָ֑דbam·mō·w·rāḏ — A descent; a downward slope or pathH4174 — Full Word Study →. So the heartsלְבַב־lə·ḇaḇ- — The inner self; mind, will, understandingH3824 — Full Word Study → of the peopleהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → meltedוַיִּמַּ֥סway·yim·mas — To melt, dissolve, or lose courageH4549 — Full Word Study → and becameוַיְהִ֥יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → like waterלְמָֽיִם׃lə·mā·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study →. 6Then Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → toreוַיִּקְרַ֨עway·yiq·ra‘ — to tear, rend, or split apartH7167 — Full Word Study → his clothesשִׂמְלֹתָ֗יוśim·lō·ṯāw — Garment, cloak, or outer garmentH8071 — Full Word Study → and fellוַיִּפֹּל֩way·yip·pōl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → facedownלִפְנֵ֨יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → beforeפָּנָ֨יוpā·nāw — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the arkאֲר֤וֹן’ă·rō·wn — A wooden box or container, often sacredH727 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → untilעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → eveningהָעֶ֔רֶבhā·‘e·reḇ — Evening, the time of day when sun setsH6153 — Full Word Study →, as did the eldersוְזִקְנֵ֣יwə·ziq·nê — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →; and they all sprinkledוַיַּעֲל֥וּway·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → dustעָפָ֖ר‘ā·p̄ār — dust; fine particles of earth or ground matterH6083 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → their headsרֹאשָֽׁם׃rō·šām — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study →. 7Oאֲהָ֣הּ׀’ă·hāh — An exclamation of lamentation, grief, or despairH162 — Full Word Study →, Lordאֲדֹנָ֣י’ă·ḏō·nāy — Master, LordH136 — Full Word Study → GODיְהוִ֗הYah·weh — The LORD, the covenant God of IsraelH3069 — Full Word Study →,” Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “whyלָ֠מָהlā·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → did You ever bringהֵעֲבַ֨רְתָּhê·‘ă·ḇar·tā — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּה֙haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → peopleהָעָ֤םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → across the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֔ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → to deliverלָתֵ֥תlā·ṯêṯ — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → usאֹתָ֛נוּ’ō·ṯā·nū — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → into the handבְּיַ֥דbə·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of the Amoritesהָאֱמֹרִ֖יhā·’ĕ·mō·rî — Canaanite peoplesH567 — Full Word Study → to be destroyedלְהַאֲבִידֵ֑נוּlə·ha·’ă·ḇî·ḏê·nū — To perish, be destroyed, or lostH6 — Full Word Study →? If onlyוְלוּ֙wə·lū — If; expressing conditional desire or wishH3863 — Full Word Study → we had been contentהוֹאַ֣לְנוּhō·w·’al·nū — to be willing, consent, or undertake willinglyH2974 — Full Word Study → to stayוַנֵּ֔שֶׁבwan·nê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → on the other sideבְּעֵ֖בֶרbə·‘ê·ḇer — side, border, region beyondH5676 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →! 8Oבִּ֖יbî — Please, I implore you, ohH994 — Full Word Study → Lordאֲדֹנָ֑י’ă·ḏō·nāy — Master, LordH136 — Full Word Study →, whatמָ֣הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → can I sayאֹמַ֔ר’ō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, now thatאַ֠חֲרֵי’a·ḥă·rê — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֛לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → has turnedהָפַ֧ךְhā·p̄aḵ — to overturn, turn over, transformH2015 — Full Word Study → its backעֹ֖רֶף‘ō·rep̄ — neck; stubbornness; back of the neckH6203 — Full Word Study → and run fromלִפְנֵ֥יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → its enemiesאֹיְבָֽיו׃’ō·yə·ḇāw — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study →? 9When the Canaanitesהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֗יhak·kə·na·‘ă·nî — Canaanite; merchant or traderH3669 — Full Word Study → and allוְכֹל֙wə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → who liveיֹשְׁבֵ֣יyō·šə·ḇê — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → in the landהָאָ֔רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → hear about thisוְיִשְׁמְע֣וּwə·yiš·mə·‘ū — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →, they will surroundוְנָסַ֣בּוּwə·nā·sab·bū — to turn, surround, go aroundH5437 — Full Word Study → usעָלֵ֔ינוּ‘ā·lê·nū — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → and wipe outוְהִכְרִ֥יתוּwə·hiḵ·rî·ṯū — To cut; to make a covenantH3772 — Full Word Study → our nameשְׁמֵ֖נוּšə·mê·nū — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the earthהָאָ֑רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study →. Then whatוּמַֽה־ū·mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → will You doתַּעֲשֵׂ֖הta·‘ă·śêh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → for Your greatהַגָּדֽוֹל׃סhag·gā·ḏō·wl — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → nameלְשִׁמְךָ֥lə·šim·ḵā — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study →?” 10But the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֧אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →, “Stand upקֻ֣םqum — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study →! Whyלָ֣מָּהlām·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → have youאַתָּ֖ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → fallenנֹפֵ֥לnō·p̄êl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → your faceפָּנֶֽיךָ׃pā·ne·ḵā — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →? 11Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → has sinnedחָטָא֙ḥā·ṭā — To sin; to miss the mark; to commit wrongdoingH2398 — Full Word Study →; they have transgressedעָבְר֣וּ‘ā·ḇə·rū — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → My covenantבְּרִיתִ֔יbə·rî·ṯî — A binding agreement or covenant between partiesH1285 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → I commandedצִוִּ֖יתִיṣiw·wî·ṯî — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → themאוֹתָ֑ם’ō·w·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study →, and theyוְגַ֤םwə·ḡam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → have takenלָֽקְחוּ֙lā·qə·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → some ofמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → what was devoted to destructionהַחֵ֔רֶםha·ḥê·rem — devoted to destruction; accursed thing; netH2764 — Full Word Study →. Indeedוְגַ֤םwə·ḡam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study →, they have stolenגָּֽנְבוּ֙gā·nə·ḇū — to steal; to take secretly or by stealthH1589 — Full Word Study → andוְגַ֣םwə·ḡam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → liedכִּֽחֲשׁ֔וּki·ḥă·šū — to deceive, lie, or deal falselyH3584 — Full Word Study →, andוְגַ֖םwə·ḡam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → they have put these things with their own possessionsבִכְלֵיהֶֽם׃ḇiḵ·lê·hem — vessel, instrument, or article of useH3627 — Full Word Study →. 12This is why the Israelitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → cannotוְלֹ֨אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → standלָקוּם֙lā·qūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → againstלִפְנֵ֣יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → their enemiesאֹיְבֵיהֶ֔ם’ō·yə·ḇê·hem — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study →. They will turnיִפְנוּ֙yip̄·nū — to turn, face, or direct attentionH6437 — Full Word Study → their backsעֹ֗רֶף‘ō·rep̄ — neck; stubbornness; back of the neckH6203 — Full Word Study → and run fromלִפְנֵ֣יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → their enemiesאֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֔ם’ō·yə·ḇê·hem — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they themselves have beenהָי֖וּhā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → set apart for destructionלְחֵ֑רֶםlə·ḥê·rem — devoted to destruction; accursed thing; netH2764 — Full Word Study →. I will noלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → longerאוֹסִיף֙’ō·w·sîp̄ — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study → beלִֽהְי֣וֹתlih·yō·wṯ — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → withעִמָּכֶ֔ם‘im·mā·ḵem — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → you unlessאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → you removeתַשְׁמִ֛ידוּṯaš·mî·ḏū — to destroy utterly, annihilate, or lay wasteH8045 — Full Word Study → from among youמִֽקִּרְבְּכֶֽם׃miq·qir·bə·ḵem — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study → whatever is devoted to destructionהַחֵ֖רֶםha·ḥê·rem — devoted to destruction; accursed thing; netH2764 — Full Word Study →. 13Get upקֻ֚םqum — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and consecrateקַדֵּ֣שׁqad·dêš — to set apart as holy; to consecrate or sanctifyH6942 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֔םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, sayingוְאָמַרְתָּ֖wə·’ā·mar·tā — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘Consecrate yourselvesהִתְקַדְּשׁ֣וּhiṯ·qad·də·šū — to set apart as holy; to consecrate or sanctifyH6942 — Full Word Study → for tomorrowלְמָחָ֑רlə·mā·ḥār — tomorrow, the next dayH4279 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → this is whatכֹה֩ḵōh — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֜הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, the Godאֱלֹהֵ֣י’ĕ·lō·hê — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֗לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, saysאָמַ֨ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: Among youבְּקִרְבְּךָ֙bə·qir·bə·ḵā — midst, inner part, heart, inward beingH7130 — Full Word Study →, O Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, there are things devoted to destructionחֵ֤רֶםḥê·rem — devoted to destruction; accursed thing; netH2764 — Full Word Study →. You cannotלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → standלָקוּם֙lā·qūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → againstלִפְנֵ֣יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → your enemiesאֹיְבֶ֔יךָ’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study → untilעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → you removeהֲסִירְכֶ֥םhă·sî·rə·ḵem — to turn aside, depart, removeH5493 — Full Word Study → them. 14In the morningבַּבֹּ֖קֶרbab·bō·qer — Morning; daybreak; the early part of the dayH1242 — Full Word Study → you must present yourselvesוְנִקְרַבְתֶּ֥םwə·niq·raḇ·tem — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study → tribe by tribeלְשִׁבְטֵיכֶ֑םlə·šiḇ·ṭê·ḵem — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study →. The tribeהַשֵּׁבֶט֩haš·šê·ḇeṭ — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֜הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → selectsיִלְכְּדֶ֨נּוּyil·kə·ḏen·nū — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → shall come forwardיִקְרַ֣בyiq·raḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study → clan by clanלַמִּשְׁפָּח֗וֹתlam·miš·pā·ḥō·wṯ — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study →, and the clanוְהַמִּשְׁפָּחָ֞הwə·ham·miš·pā·ḥāh — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶֽׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → selectsיִלְכְּדֶ֤נָּהyil·kə·ḏen·nāh — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → shall come forwardתִּקְרַ֣בtiq·raḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study → family by familyלַבָּתִּ֔יםlab·bāt·tîm — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, and the familyוְהַבַּ֙יִת֙wə·hab·ba·yiṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → selectsיִלְכְּדֶ֣נּוּyil·kə·ḏen·nū — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → shall come forwardיִקְרַ֖בyiq·raḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study → man by manלַגְּבָרִֽים׃lag·gə·ḇā·rîm — Man, mighty man, strong manH1397 — Full Word Study →. 15The one who is caughtהַנִּלְכָּ֣דhan·nil·kāḏ — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → with the things devoted to destructionבַּחֵ֔רֶםba·ḥê·rem — devoted to destruction; accursed thing; netH2764 — Full Word Study → must be burnedיִשָּׂרֵ֣ףyiś·śā·rêp̄ — to burn, kindle, consume by fireH8313 — Full Word Study →, along with allוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → that belongs to himכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he has transgressedעָבַר֙‘ā·ḇar — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the covenantבְּרִ֣יתbə·rîṯ — A binding agreement or covenant between partiesH1285 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → and committedעָשָׂ֥ה‘ā·śāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → an outrageנְבָלָ֖הnə·ḇā·lāh — Folly, disgrace, or shameful behaviorH5039 — Full Word Study → in Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃bə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →.’” 16So Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → arose earlyוַיַּשְׁכֵּ֤םway·yaš·kêm — To rise early, get up in the morningH7925 — Full Word Study → the next morningבַּבֹּ֔קֶרbab·bō·qer — Morning; daybreak; the early part of the dayH1242 — Full Word Study → and had Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → come forwardוַיַּקְרֵ֥בway·yaq·rêḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study → tribe by tribeלִשְׁבָטָ֑יוliš·ḇā·ṭāw — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study →, and the tribeשֵׁ֥בֶטšê·ḇeṭ — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָֽה׃yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → was selectedוַיִּלָּכֵ֖דway·yil·lā·ḵêḏ — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study →. 17He had the clansמִשְׁפַּ֣חַתmiš·pa·ḥaṯ — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָ֔הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study → come forwardוַיַּקְרֵב֙way·yaq·rêḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study →, and the clanמִשְׁפַּ֣חַתmiš·pa·ḥaṯ — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study → of the Zerahitesהַזַּרְחִ֑יhaz·zar·ḥî — Descendant of ZerahH2227 — Full Word Study → was selectedוַיִּלְכֹּ֕דway·yil·kōḏ — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study →. He had the clanמִשְׁפַּ֤חַתmiš·pa·ḥaṯ — Family, clan, household groupH4940 — Full Word Study → of the Zerahitesהַזַּרְחִי֙haz·zar·ḥî — Descendant of ZerahH2227 — Full Word Study → come forwardוַיַּקְרֵ֞בway·yaq·rêḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study →, and the familyלַגְּבָרִ֔יםlag·gə·ḇā·rîm — Man, mighty man, strong manH1397 — Full Word Study → of Zabdiזַבְדִּֽי׃zaḇ·dî — My GiftH2067 — Full Word Study → was selectedוַיִּלָּכֵ֖דway·yil·lā·ḵêḏ — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study →. 18And he had the family of Zabdi come forwardוַיַּקְרֵ֥בway·yaq·rêḇ — to approach, draw near, come forwardH7126 — Full Word Study → man by manלַגְּבָרִ֑יםlag·gə·ḇā·rîm — Man, mighty man, strong manH1397 — Full Word Study →, and Achanעָכָ֞ן‘ā·ḵān — TroublerH5912 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Carmiכַּרְמִ֧יkar·mî — Vineyard or gardenH3756 — Full Word Study →, the sonבֶן־ḇen- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zabdiזַבְדִּ֛יzaḇ·dî — My GiftH2067 — Full Word Study →, the sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zerahזֶ֖רַחze·raḥ — Rising, shiningH2226 — Full Word Study →, of the tribeלְמַטֵּ֥הlə·maṭ·ṭêh — Rod, staff, or tribeH4294 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָֽה׃yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →, was selectedוַיִּלָּכֵ֗דway·yil·lā·ḵêḏ — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study →. 19So Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֜עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Achanעָכָ֗ן‘ā·ḵān — TroublerH5912 — Full Word Study →, “My sonבְּנִי֙bə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, giveשִֽׂים־śîm- — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → gloryכָב֗וֹדḵā·ḇō·wḏ — weightiness, honor, splendor, gloryH3519 — Full Word Study → to the LORDלַֽיהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, the Godאֱלֹהֵ֥י’ĕ·lō·hê — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, and makeוְתֶן־wə·ṯen- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → a confessionתוֹדָ֑הṯō·w·ḏāh — Thanksgiving; grateful praise and acknowledgment to GodH8426 — Full Word Study → to Him. I urge youנָ֣אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → to tellוְהַגֶּד־wə·hag·geḏ- — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → me whatמֶ֣הmeh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → you have doneעָשִׂ֔יתָ‘ā·śî·ṯā — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →; do notאַל־’al- — do not; negative imperative particleH408 — Full Word Study → hide it from meמִמֶּֽנִּי׃mim·men·nî — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study →.” 20It is trueאָמְנָ֗ה’ā·mə·nāh — truly, certainly, indeed, verilyH546 — Full Word Study →,” Achanעָכָ֛ן‘ā·ḵān — TroublerH5912 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיַּ֧עַןway·ya·‘an — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study →, “Iאָנֹכִ֤י’ā·nō·ḵî — I, myself (first-person singular pronoun)H595 — Full Word Study → have sinnedחָטָ֙אתִי֙ḥā·ṭā·ṯî — To sin; to miss the mark; to commit wrongdoingH2398 — Full Word Study → against the LORDלַֽיהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →, the Godאֱלֹהֵ֣י’ĕ·lō·hê — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. Thisוְכָזֹ֥אתwə·ḵā·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → is what I didעָשִֽׂיתִי׃‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →: 21When I sawוָאֶרְאֶהwå̄·ʾɛr·ʾɛh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → among the spoilsבַשָּׁלָ֡לḇaš·šā·lāl — Plunder, spoils of war; prey taken in battleH7998 — Full Word Study → aאַחַ֨ת’a·ḥaṯ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → beautifulטוֹבָ֜הṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → cloakאַדֶּ֣רֶת’ad·de·reṯ — Garment, robe, or cloak of dignityH155 — Full Word Study → from Shinarשִׁנְעָר֩šin·‘ār — Ancient Mesopotamian regionH8152 — Full Word Study →, two hundredוּמָאתַ֧יִםū·mā·ṯa·yim — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → shekelsשְׁקָלִ֣יםšə·qā·lîm — Ancient unit of weight and currency; shekelH8255 — Full Word Study → of silverכֶּ֗סֶףke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →, and aאֶחָד֙’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → barוּלְשׁ֨וֹןū·lə·šō·wn — Tongue; language; speechH3956 — Full Word Study → of goldזָהָ֤בzā·hāḇ — Gold; precious metal; wealth and valueH2091 — Full Word Study → weighingמִשְׁקָל֔וֹmiš·qā·lōw — weight, heaviness, or burdenH4948 — Full Word Study → fiftyחֲמִשִּׁ֤יםḥă·miš·šîm — Fifty; the number representing a jubilee period or festival countH2572 — Full Word Study → shekelsשְׁקָלִים֙šə·qā·lîm — Ancient unit of weight and currency; shekelH8255 — Full Word Study →, I coveted themוָֽאֶחְמְדֵ֖םwā·’eḥ·mə·ḏêm — To desire, covet, or take delight inH2530 — Full Word Study → and took themוָֽאֶקָּחֵ֑םwā·’eq·qā·ḥêm — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study →. They areוְהִנָּ֨םwə·hin·nām — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → hiddenטְמוּנִ֥יםṭə·mū·nîm — To hide, conceal, or bury secretlyH2934 — Full Word Study → in the groundבָּאָ֛רֶץbā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → insideבְּת֥וֹךְbə·ṯō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → my tentהָאָֽהֳלִ֖יhā·’ā·ho·lî — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study →, with the silverוְהַכֶּ֥סֶףwə·hak·ke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → underneathתַּחְתֶּֽיהָ׃taḥ·te·hā — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study →.” 22So Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → sentוַיִּשְׁלַ֤חway·yiš·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → messengersמַלְאָכִ֔יםmal·’ā·ḵîm — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → who ranוַיָּרֻ֖צוּway·yā·ru·ṣū — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study → to the tentהָאֹ֑הֱלָהhā·’ō·hĕ·lāh — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study →, and there it all was, hiddenטְמוּנָ֛הṭə·mū·nāh — To hide, conceal, or bury secretlyH2934 — Full Word Study → in his tentבְּאָהֳל֖וֹbə·’ā·ho·lōw — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study →, with the silverוְהַכֶּ֥סֶףwə·hak·ke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → underneathתַּחְתֶּֽיהָ׃taḥ·te·hā — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study →. 23They took the thingsוַיִּקָּחוּם֙way·yiq·qā·ḥūm — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → from insideמִתּ֣וֹךְmit·tō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → the tentהָאֹ֔הֶלhā·’ō·hel — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study →, brought themוַיְבִאוּם֙way·ḇi·’ūm — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֔עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study → and allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the Israelitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, and spread them outוַיַּצִּקֻ֖םway·yaṣ·ṣi·qum — To pour out; to cast; to overflowH3332 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵ֥יlip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָֽה׃Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. 24Then Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַyə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →, together withעִמּ֑וֹ‘im·mōw — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, tookוַיִּקַּ֣חway·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → Achanעָכָ֣ן‘ā·ḵān — TroublerH5912 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zerahזֶ֡רַחze·raḥ — Rising, shiningH2226 — Full Word Study →, the silverהַכֶּ֣סֶףhak·ke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →, the cloakהָאַדֶּ֣רֶתhā·’ad·de·reṯ — Garment, robe, or cloak of dignityH155 — Full Word Study →, the barלְשׁ֣וֹןlə·šō·wn — Tongue; language; speechH3956 — Full Word Study → of goldהַזָּהָ֡בhaz·zā·hāḇ — Gold; precious metal; wealth and valueH2091 — Full Word Study →, his sonsבָּנָ֡יוbā·nāw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → and daughtersבְּנֹתָ֡יוbə·nō·ṯāw — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study →, his oxenשׁוֹרוֹ֩šō·w·rōw — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → donkeysחֲמֹר֨וֹḥă·mō·rōw — donkey; beast of burdenH2543 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → sheepצֹאנ֤וֹṣō·nōw — flock of sheep or goatsH6629 — Full Word Study →, his tentאָהֳלוֹ֙’ā·ho·lōw — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study →, and everything else he ownedאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study →, and brought themוַיַּעֲל֥וּway·ya·‘ă·lū — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → to the Valleyעֵ֥מֶק‘ê·meq — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study → of Achorעָכֽוֹר׃‘ā·ḵō·wr — Valley of Achor; a valley of troubleH5911 — Full Word Study →. 25Whyמֶ֣הmeh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → have you brought this trouble upon usעֲכַרְתָּ֔נוּ‘ă·ḵar·tā·nū — to trouble, disturb, or stir upH5916 — Full Word Study →?” saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Joshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ — The Lord is salvationH3091 — Full Word Study →. “Todayבַּיּ֣וֹםbay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → will bring trouble upon youיַעְכֳּרְךָ֥ya‘·kor·ḵā — to trouble, disturb, or stir upH5916 — Full Word Study →!” And allכָל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵל֙yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → stoned him to deathוַיִּרְגְּמ֨וּway·yir·gə·mū — to stone; to pelt with stonesH7275 — Full Word Study →. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodiesוַיִּשְׂרְפ֤וּway·yiś·rə·p̄ū — to burn, kindle, consume by fireH8313 — Full Word Study →. 26And they heapedוַיָּקִ֨ימוּway·yā·qî·mū — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → over Achan a largeגָּד֗וֹלgā·ḏō·wl — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → pileגַּל־gal- — wave, billow, surge of waterH1530 — Full Word Study → of rocksאֲבָנִ֣ים’ă·ḇā·nîm — Stone; rock; precious stoneH68 — Full Word Study → that remains toעַ֚ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּ֔הhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → dayהַיּ֣וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. So the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → turnedוַיָּ֥שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → from His burning angerמֵחֲר֣וֹןmê·ḥă·rō·wn — Burning anger, fierce wrathH2740 — Full Word Study →. Thereforeעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → thatהַהוּא֙ha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → placeהַמָּק֤וֹםham·mā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → is calledקָרָ֞אqā·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → the Valleyעֵ֣מֶק‘ê·meq — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study → of Achorעָכ֔וֹר‘ā·ḵō·wr — Valley of Achor; a valley of troubleH5911 — Full Word Study → toעַ֖ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃פhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → dayהַיּ֥וֹםhay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Joshua 7
Chapter Overview

Chapter  Overview

Joshua 7 presents a dramatic reversal after Israel's miraculous victory at Jericho. Despite God's explicit command to devote all spoils to Him, one man's secret sin—Achan's theft of forbidden items—brings corporate judgment upon the entire nation. This chapter illustrates the serious consequences of disobedience and the necessity of dealing with sin promptly and thoroughly. Through this sobering account, we discover that individual choices affect the community of God's people, and that true victory requires obedience and integrity.

Verses 1–5: The Sin and Its Immediate Consequences

Israel's trespass occurred when Achan, a man from the tribe of Judah, took items that God had commanded be destroyed—items He had declared accursed (Hebrew: cherem, devoted to destruction). Although only one man sinned, verse 1 emphasizes that "the children of Israel committed a trespass," showing how individual sin compromises the whole covenant community. Joshua's spies report that Ai is small and can be easily defeated by a modest force of 2,000–3,000 men. Confident in their recent triumph, Israel sends only three thousand warriors—but they are routed and thirty-six men are killed. This stunning reversal shocks the nation and reveals that God's presence, which brought victory at Jericho, has been withdrawn due to hidden disobedience.

Application: We must remember that sin always separates us from God's blessing. Hidden sin is not truly hidden from the Lord; it undermines our spiritual effectiveness and witness.

Verses 6–12: Joshua's Prayer and God's Response

Joshua responds with deep distress, tearing his clothes and falling before the ark in prayer. His anguished words—"Would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!"—reflect genuine despair. Yet his prayer contains a critical misunderstanding: he focuses on Israel's humiliation and what enemies will say, rather than on God's holiness. The Lord interrupts his prayer with a command: "Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?" God does not comfort; He confronts. The reason for defeat is clear: "Israel hath sinned" and transgressed God's covenant by taking the accursed thing. God declares that Israel cannot stand before enemies until the sin is removed and the sinner destroyed. God's presence—the source of all victory—is withdrawn from a community harboring disobedience.

Application: Prayer without repentance and obedience is incomplete. God values our holiness more than our comfort, and He requires us to deal decisively with sin in our midst.

Verses 13–18: The Discovery of Achan

God commands Israel to sanctify themselves and prepare for a solemn process of discovery. Through a narrowing series of lots—tribe, family, household, and individual—the Lord identifies Achan as the guilty party. This method demonstrates that God's justice is both public and certain; sin cannot remain hidden. Achan is isolated through systematic elimination, and his entire household and possessions are implicated in his transgression.

Application: God sees all things. We cannot hide our disobedience from Him, and we must not attempt to.

Verses 19–26: Confession, Judgment, and Restoration

Joshua urges Achan to "give glory to the LORD" by confessing. Achan admits he coveted forbidden items—a goodly garment, silver, and gold—then took them and hid them in his tent. His confession reveals that willful desire preceded willful theft. The stolen goods are recovered and displayed before the Lord and all Israel. Then Achan, his entire household, livestock, and possessions are brought to the valley of Achor ("trouble") and destroyed by stoning and burning. This severe judgment—extending to family members who may have been complicit—reflects ancient Near Eastern custom and the gravity of covenant violation. Yet verse 26 notes that after this purge, "the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger," showing that judgment restores covenant relationship and clears the path for future blessing.

Application: God's judgment, though severe, is just and restorative. When sin is dealt with honestly and thoroughly, God's anger turns away and His blessing returns.

Application for Today

Joshua 7 reminds us that in God's covenant community—the Church—individual choices matter. Hidden sin grieves the Holy Spirit and weakens our corporate witness. We are called to pursue holiness, to confess sin openly, and to help one another stand firm. While we live under grace rather than under law, God still takes seriously our obedience and integrity. Let us examine our hearts, remove anything that dishonors God, and trust that confession and repentance restore us to blessing and usefulness in His kingdom.

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