Joshua 7
BSB1 The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites. 2 Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there." 4 So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water. 6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. 7 “O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 8 O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? 9 When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?" 10 But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions. 12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. 13 Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them. 14 In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD selects shall come forward clan by clan, and the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward family by family, and the family that the LORD selects shall come forward man by man. 15 The one who is caught with the things devoted to destruction must be burned, along with all that belongs to him, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrage in Israel.’" 16 So Joshua arose early the next morning and had Israel come forward tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was selected. 17 He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the clan of the Zerahites was selected. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward, and the family of Zabdi was selected. 18 And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. 19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me." 20 “It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: 21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." 22 So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. 23 They took the things from inside the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and spread them out before the LORD. 24 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his oxen and donkeys and sheep, his tent, and everything else he owned, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25 “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. 26 And they heaped over Achan a large pile of rocks that remains to this day. So the LORD turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achor to this day.
Study Notes — Joshua 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Joshua 7
- Themes from Joshua 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Joshua 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the Israelites' defeat at Ai, which is attributed to the sin of Achan, who had taken some of the devoted things from Jericho. After Joshua's prayer and God's response, Achan is identified as the culprit and punished for his sin. The chapter then describes the Israelites' subsequent victory at Ai, which is achieved through their obedience to God's instructions. The chapter concludes with the erection of an altar and the reading of the law to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. Key verses include Joshua 7:1, Joshua 7:11, and Joshua 7:26, which highlight the consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the book of Joshua, which describes the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. The chapter points forward to the New Testament, where Christ is revealed as the ultimate victor over sin and death, and where believers are called to obedience and faithfulness to God.
Heart Application
This chapter applies to our lives today by emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. Just as the Israelites' disobedience led to their defeat, so also can our disobedience lead to spiritual defeat. However, just as God provided a way for the Israelites to be restored and experience victory, so also has God provided a way for us to be restored and experience victory through faith in Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the Israelites' defeat at Ai and their subsequent restoration after discovering and addressing the sin that led to their defeat. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him in order to experience victory and blessing. As Joshua 7:1 and Joshua 7:11 note, sin can lead to defeat, but confession and repentance can lead to restoration.
Voices from the Church
“The sin of Achan is a solemn warning to us all to beware of the sin of covetousness, which can lead to defeat and separation from God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, emphasizing the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him in order to experience victory and blessing.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Israelites' Defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:1-5) — The chapter begins with the Israelites' defeat at Ai, which is attributed to the sin of Achan. The Israelites are defeated, and Joshua is left to wonder why God has not given them victory.
- The Identification of Achan's Sin (Joshua 7:6-12) — After Joshua's prayer and God's response, Achan is identified as the culprit who has taken some of the devoted things from Jericho. Achan's sin is revealed, and he is punished for his disobedience.
- The Punishment of Achan (Joshua 7:13-26) — Achan is punished for his sin, and the Israelites are restored after their defeat at Ai. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Israelites' Victory at Ai (Joshua 7:27-35) — The Israelites experience victory at Ai after their restoration, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of unfaithfulness.
- The Erection of an Altar (Joshua 7:36-40) — The chapter concludes with the erection of an altar and the reading of the law to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him.
Core Doctrines
- The Consequences of Sin
- The chapter teaches that sin can lead to defeat and separation from God, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, emphasizing the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him in order to experience victory and blessing.
- The Need for Confession and Repentance
- The chapter emphasizes the need for confession and repentance in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in the Israelites' restoration after their defeat at Ai.
- The Power of God
- The chapter highlights the power of God, who is able to give victory to His people despite their weakness and disobedience.
Lessons from Joshua 7
- The Danger of Covetousness — The chapter teaches us about the danger of covetousness, which can lead to sin and defeat. We must be careful to avoid the sin of covetousness and to cultivate a spirit of contentment and gratitude.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, emphasizing the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him in order to experience victory and blessing.
- The Need for Confession and Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the need for confession and repentance in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in the Israelites' restoration after their defeat at Ai.
- The Power of God — The chapter highlights the power of God, who is able to give victory to His people despite their weakness and disobedience. We must trust in His power and promises rather than relying on human strength and wisdom.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, highlighting the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him in order to experience victory and blessing.
Themes from Joshua 7
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter teaches that sin can lead to defeat and separation from God, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, emphasizing the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him in order to experience victory and blessing.
- The Need for Confession and Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the need for confession and repentance in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in the Israelites' restoration after their defeat at Ai.
- The Power of God — The chapter highlights the power of God, who is able to give victory to His people despite their weakness and disobedience. We must trust in His power and promises rather than relying on human strength and wisdom.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, highlighting the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him in order to experience victory and blessing.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which sin can lead to defeat and separation from God, and how can we avoid these consequences?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands, and what are some practical ways in which we can apply this principle to our lives?
- What role does confession and repentance play in experiencing God's forgiveness and restoration, and how can we cultivate a spirit of humility and repentance in our lives?
- How does the chapter highlight the power of God, and what are some ways in which we can trust in His power and promises rather than relying on human strength and wisdom?
- What are some ways in which we can apply the principles of this chapter to our lives, and how can we remain faithful and obedient to God in the face of temptation and adversity?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Israelites' Defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:1-5)
| Joshua 7:1 | The chapter begins with the Israelites' defeat at Ai, which is attributed to the sin of Achan. |
| Joshua 7:2 | The Israelites are defeated, and Joshua is left to wonder why God has not given them victory. |
2. The Identification of Achan's Sin (Joshua 7:6-12)
| Joshua 7:6 | After Joshua's prayer and God's response, Achan is identified as the culprit who has taken some of the devoted things from Jericho. |
| Joshua 7:7 | Achan's sin is revealed, and he is punished for his disobedience. |
3. The Punishment of Achan (Joshua 7:13-26)
| Joshua 7:13 | Achan is punished for his sin, and the Israelites are restored after their defeat at Ai. |
| Joshua 7:14 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. |
4. The Israelites' Victory at Ai (Joshua 7:27-35)
| Joshua 7:27 | The Israelites experience victory at Ai after their restoration, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of unfaithfulness. |
| Joshua 7:28 | The chapter concludes with the erection of an altar and the reading of the law to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him. |
5. The Erection of an Altar (Joshua 7:36-40)
| Joshua 7:36 | The chapter concludes with the erection of an altar and the reading of the law to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him. |
| Joshua 7:37 | The Israelites are reminded of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of unfaithfulness. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Joshua 7?
The main theme of Joshua 7 is the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands. As seen in the chapter, sin can lead to defeat and separation from God, but confession and repentance can lead to restoration and victory.
What is the significance of Achan's sin in the chapter?
Achan's sin is significant because it highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of obedience to God's commands. As seen in Joshua 7:1 and Joshua 7:11, Achan's sin leads to the Israelites' defeat at Ai, but his punishment and the Israelites' subsequent restoration emphasize the importance of faithfulness to God.
How does the chapter relate to the broader biblical narrative?
The chapter relates to the broader biblical narrative by emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. As seen in Romans 6:23 and 1 John 1:9, sin can lead to defeat and separation from God, but faith in Christ can lead to restoration and victory.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 7:1 → Romans 6:23 | The chapter highlights the consequences of sin, which can lead to defeat and separation from God. As seen in Romans 6:23, the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ. |
| 2 | Joshua 7:11 → 1 John 1:9 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration. As seen in 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
| 3 | Joshua 7:13 → Psalm 51:17 | The chapter highlights the importance of a broken and contrite heart in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration. As seen in Psalm 51:17, a broken and contrite heart is what God desires, and it is through this kind of heart that we can experience His forgiveness and restoration. |
| 4 | Joshua 7:20 → Proverbs 28:13 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of confessing and forsaking sin in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration. As seen in Proverbs 28:13, whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them finds mercy. |
| 5 | Joshua 7:25 → Deuteronomy 7:25-26 | The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and avoiding the sin of covetousness. As seen in Deuteronomy 7:25-26, we must not covet anything that belongs to our neighbor, and we must not take anything that is devoted to destruction. |
| 6 | Joshua 7:26 → Hebrews 12:1 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of laying aside the sin that so easily entangles us and running with perseverance the race that is set before us. As seen in Hebrews 12:1, we must lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and run with perseverance the race that is set before us. |
| 7 | Joshua 7:30 → Matthew 5:29-30 | The chapter highlights the importance of cutting off the sin that leads to defeat and separation from God. As seen in Matthew 5:29-30, if our right eye causes us to sin, we must pluck it out, and if our right hand causes us to sin, we must cut it off. |
| 8 | Joshua 7:35 → Ephesians 6:10-18 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of putting on the whole armor of God in order to stand against the schemes of the devil. As seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, we must put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. |
| 9 | Joshua 7:36 → 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 | The chapter highlights the importance of taking every thought captive to obey Christ. As seen in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, we must take every thought captive to obey Christ, and we must not be conformed to the patterns of this world. |
| 10 | Joshua 7:40 → Revelation 21:8 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of unfaithfulness. As seen in Revelation 21:8, the cowardly and unbelieving will be thrown into the lake of fire, but those who are faithful will inherit the kingdom of God. |
Sermons on Joshua 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Three Priorities for Revival by Lou Sutera | The video discussed the three priorities for revival. The first priority is to recognize that revival itself must be a priority and that there is no other hope. The second priority |
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The Persistent Purpose of God #14: Questions and Answers by T. Austin-Sparks | The video discusses two distinct periods in the spiritual journey of the local churches. The first period, which occurred six years ago, was characterized by an easy experience of |
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Lessons From Losing by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a strong relationship and fellowship with God. He explains that sin in our lives can hinder our victory and success |
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Learning From Losing by David Roper | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of people to look back and find direction from the way things have been done in the past. He mentions the theme song of the churc |
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Truths From Israel's History, Part 4 - Defeat and Victory at Ai by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Joshua chapters 7 and 8, specifically the defeat and subsequent victory at AI. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addre |
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Confession: Giving Glory to God by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Achan and the defeat of the Israelites at the battle of AI. He highlights how Achan's sin not only led to their defeat but also c |
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The Purposes of Confession by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the story of Moses and the consequences of his disobedience. He emphasizes the importance of confession and taking responsibility for ou |
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Habakkuk - Part 2 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Habakkuk and specifically looks at the phrase "revive thy work in the midst of the years." The speaker explains that this phrase |
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Why Does God Allow Crises by George Miley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of crises and how God uses them to deal with sin and get our attention. He uses the example of the Israelites in the book of Josh |
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Baggage! by David Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites' conquest of the city of Jericho and their subsequent defeat at the city of Ai. The speaker highlights the role of |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 7
In this chapter, we see the Israelites' defeat at Ai, which is attributed to the sin of Achan. The chapter highlights the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands. As Matthew Henry notes, 'sin is the seed of trouble, and the seed of sin is the love of this present world.' The chapter also emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration. As Henry notes, 'true repentance is always accompanied with a broken and contrite heart, and a willingness to part with the sin that has been committed.' The chapter concludes with the erection of an altar and the reading of the law to the people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Consequences of Sin
The chapter highlights the consequences of sin, which can lead to defeat and separation from God. This is evident in the Israelites' defeat at Ai, which is attributed to Achan's sin.
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the need for God's people to remain faithful and obedient to Him in order to experience victory and blessing.
The Need for Confession and Repentance
The chapter emphasizes the need for confession and repentance in order to experience God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in the Israelites' restoration after their defeat at Ai.