Menu

Joshua 7:14

Joshua 7:14 in Multiple Translations

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.

In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.

In the morning therefore ye shall be brought near by your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which Jehovah taketh shall come near by families; and the family which Jehovah shall take shall come near by households; and the household which Jehovah shall take shall come near man by man.

So in the morning you are to come near, tribe by tribe; and the tribe marked out by the Lord is to come near, family by family; and the family marked out by the Lord is to come near, house by house; and the house marked out by the Lord is to come near, man by man.

In the morning, you will come forward, tribe by tribe. Whichever tribe the Lord chooses will come forward clan by clan. The clan that the Lord chooses will come forward family by family. The family that the Lord chooses will come forward man by man.

In the morning therefore ye shall come according to your tribes, and the tribe which the Lord taketh, shall come according to the families: and the familie which the Lord shall take, shall come by the housholds: and the houshold which the Lord shall take, shall come man by man.

and ye have been brought near in the morning by your tribes, and it hath been, the tribe which Jehovah doth capture doth draw near by families, and the family which Jehovah doth capture doth draw near by households, and the household which Jehovah doth capture doth draw near by men;

In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes. It shall be that the tribe which the LORD selects shall come near by families. The family which the LORD selects shall come near by households. The household which the LORD selects shall come near man by man.

In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to their families: and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.

And you shall come in the morning every one by your tribes: and what tribe soever the lot shall find, it shall come by its kindreds and the kindred by its houses, and the house by the men.

‘Tomorrow morning you must present yourselves before Yahweh, tribe by tribe. Then Yahweh will indicate to which tribe the man who took those things belongs. Then Yahweh will indicate to which clan from that tribe the guilty man belongs. Then Yahweh will indicate to which family he belongs. And then he will indicate which person in that family took those things.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 7:14

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 7:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/נִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם בַּ/בֹּ֖קֶר לְ/שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֑ם וְ/הָיָ֡ה הַ/שֵּׁבֶט֩ אֲשֶׁר יִלְכְּדֶ֨/נּוּ יְהוָ֜ה יִקְרַ֣ב לַ/מִּשְׁפָּח֗וֹת וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁפָּחָ֞ה אֲשֶֽׁר יִלְכְּדֶ֤/נָּה יְהוָה֙ תִּקְרַ֣ב לַ/בָּתִּ֔ים וְ/הַ/בַּ֨יִת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִלְכְּדֶ֣/נּוּ יְהוָ֔ה יִקְרַ֖ב לַ/גְּבָרִֽים
וְ/נִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם qârab H7126 to present Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
בַּ/בֹּ֖קֶר bôqer H1242 morning Prep | N-ms
לְ/שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֑ם shêbeṭ H7626 tribe Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/הָיָ֡ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/שֵּׁבֶט֩ shêbeṭ H7626 tribe Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יִלְכְּדֶ֨/נּוּ lâkad H3920 to capture V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
יִקְרַ֣ב qârab H7126 to present V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לַ/מִּשְׁפָּח֗וֹת mishpâchâh H4940 family Prep | N-fp
וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁפָּחָ֞ה mishpâchâh H4940 family Conj | Art | N-fs
אֲשֶֽׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יִלְכְּדֶ֤/נָּה lâkad H3920 to capture V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
תִּקְרַ֣ב qârab H7126 to present V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לַ/בָּתִּ֔ים bayith H1004 place Prep | N-mp
וְ/הַ/בַּ֨יִת֙ bayith H1004 place Conj | Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יִלְכְּדֶ֣/נּוּ lâkad H3920 to capture V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
יִקְרַ֖ב qârab H7126 to present V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לַ/גְּבָרִֽים geber H1397 great man Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 7:14

וְ/נִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם qârab H7126 "to present" Conj | V-Niphal-2mp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
בַּ/בֹּ֖קֶר bôqer H1242 "morning" Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
לְ/שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֑ם shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/הָיָ֡ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/שֵּׁבֶט֩ shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" Art | N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִלְכְּדֶ֨/נּוּ lâkad H3920 "to capture" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יִקְרַ֣ב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
לַ/מִּשְׁפָּח֗וֹת mishpâchâh H4940 "family" Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
וְ/הַ/מִּשְׁפָּחָ֞ה mishpâchâh H4940 "family" Conj | Art | N-fs
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
אֲשֶֽׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִלְכְּדֶ֤/נָּה lâkad H3920 "to capture" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
תִּקְרַ֣ב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
לַ/בָּתִּ֔ים bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ/הַ/בַּ֨יִת֙ bayith H1004 "place" Conj | Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִלְכְּדֶ֣/נּוּ lâkad H3920 "to capture" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יִקְרַ֖ב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
לַ/גְּבָרִֽים geber H1397 "great man" Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.

Study Notes — Joshua 7:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
2 Jonah 1:7 “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.
3 Joshua 7:17–18 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. 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.
4 1 Samuel 14:38–42 Therefore Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the troops, and let us investigate how this sin has occurred today. As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim; but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.
5 1 Samuel 10:19–21 But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.
6 Acts 1:24–26 And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Joshua 7:14 Summary

This verse, Joshua 7:14, shows how God wanted the Israelites to find out who was responsible for the sin that was causing them to lose battles. He had them come forward tribe by tribe, clan by clan, and family by family, until the individual who had sinned was found. This process teaches us that God takes sin seriously and wants us to remove it from our lives, just like He told the Israelites to do in Deuteronomy 29:18-21. By examining our hearts and removing sin, we can have a closer relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 51:10, and live in a way that honors Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God require the Israelites to present themselves tribe by tribe in Joshua 7:14?

This process allowed God to identify the specific tribe, clan, family, and individual responsible for the sin that was hindering their victory, as seen in Joshua 7:14, and is similar to how God dealt with sin in the nation in Deuteronomy 29:18-21.

How does this process of elimination relate to our lives as Christians?

Just as God required the Israelites to examine themselves and remove the source of sin, we too must examine our hearts and lives to remove any sin that hinders our relationship with God, as taught in Psalms 51:10 and 1 John 1:9.

What is the significance of the LORD selecting the tribe, clan, family, and individual in this process?

The selection by the LORD emphasizes God's sovereignty and involvement in the process, highlighting that sin is a serious offense against Him, as stated in Joshua 7:11, and that He is the one who ultimately identifies and judges sin, as seen in Romans 2:16.

How does this verse relate to the concept of corporate responsibility in the Bible?

Joshua 7:14 illustrates corporate responsibility, where the actions of one individual can affect the entire community, as also seen in Numbers 16:22 and Acts 5:1-11, emphasizing the importance of collective accountability and purity before God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be unknowingly harboring sin, and how can I examine myself to remove them?
  2. How can I apply the principle of corporate responsibility in my own community or church, recognizing that our individual actions can impact the entire group?
  3. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, like the Israelites did in Joshua 7:14, when faced with uncertainty or difficult circumstances?
  4. What does this process of elimination teach me about the importance of dealing with sin promptly and thoroughly in my own life, and how can I apply this lesson in practical ways?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 7:14

In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes,.... One or more of every tribe, according to the number of them, were to be brought the next morning before Joshua and the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 7:14

Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 7:14

Which the Lord taketh; which shall be discovered or declared guilty by the lot, which is disposed by the Lord, , and which was to be cast in the Lord’ s presence before the ark. Of such use of lots, see ,4 .

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 7:14

Joshua 7:14 In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, [that] the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families [thereof]; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.Ver. 14. The tribe which the Lord taketh shall come according to their families.] Christ, at last day, will do, saith a divine, as Joshua here did: there were many brought together, and all to find out one. So shall all then appear: out of them a small number deducted that have heard of Christ; out of them, those that have professed him; and out of them, those that have professed in sincerity; a small few.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 7:14

(14-18) In the morning therefore ye shall be brought.—That is, brought near, or presented. The word used here, and throughout the passage, is the same that is commonly used for the presentation of an offering.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 7:14

Verse 14. Ye shall be brought according to your tribes] It has been a subject of serious inquiry in what manner and by what means the culpable tribe, family, household, and individual, were discovered. The Jews have many conceits on the subject; the most rational is, that the tribes being, in their representatives, brought before the high priest, the stone on the breastplate gave immediate intimation by suddenly losing its lustre. According to them, this is what is termed consulting God by Urim and Thummim. It is however most probable that the whole was determined by the lot; and that God chose this method to detect the guilty tribe, next the family, thirdly the household, and lastly the individual. This was nearly the plan pursued in the election of Saul by Samuel. "Now therefore," says he, "present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands. And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken," 1 Samuel 10:19-20. If the lot was used in the one case it was doubtless used in the other also, as the procedure in the main was entirely similar. The same mode was used to find out who it was that transgressed the king's command, when it was found that Jonathan had eaten a little honey, 1 Samuel 14:40-43. It is well known that the promised land was divided by lot among the Israelites; (see Numbers 26:55; Numbers 33:54; Deuteronomy 1:38, c.); and that the courses of the priests were regulated by lot in the days of David, 1 Chronicles 24:5, c. That this was a frequent mode of determining difficult questions, and appointed by God himself, is evident from Leviticus 16:8; Psalms 51:18; Proverbs 16:33; Proverbs 18:18; Acts 1:26.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 7:14

14. according to your tribes] Each tribe was divided into families; each family into houses; each house into persons. the tribe which the Lord taketh] i.e. by the sacred lot. We find the lots used (a) for the detection of a criminal here, and in the case of Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:42, and Jonah 1:7); (b) in the choice of men for an invading force (Judges 1:1; Judges 20:10); (c) in the partition of land (Numbers 26:55; Joshua 18:10; 1Ma 3:36); (d) in the assignment to foreigners or captors of spoils or prisoners (Joe 3:3; Nahum 3:10); (e) in the selection of the scapegoat on the day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:8); (f) in the settlement of doubtful questions (Proverbs 16:33; Proverbs 18:18). The custom was of great antiquity and widely spread, and “recommended itself as a sort of appeal to the Almighty, secure from all influence of passion or bias.” In Homer we find it employed by the gods themselves (Il. 22:209; Cic. de Div. 1. 34, 11. 41), and the Romans had their lots in divisions (sortes divisoriœ) and elections (sors urbana and peregrina) in the choice of a prætor.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 7:14

The Lord taketh - i. e. by lot. The Hebrew word for lot suggests that small stones, probably white and black ones, were used. These were probably drawn from a chest (compare the expressions in Joshua 18:11; Joshua 19:1).

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 7:14

14. Ye shall be brought according to your tribes — God could have disclosed to Joshua the sinner as well as the sin. by direct revelation, without this review of the whole camp.

Sermons on Joshua 7:14

SermonDescription
John Piper The Supremacy of Christ in an Age of Terror by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the reason for the existence of a troubled and terrorized world is not because God is not in control. The Bible clearly states that God
Thomas Boston Of the Providence of God by Thomas Boston Thomas Boston preaches on the providence of God, emphasizing how God's care extends even to the smallest details of creation, such as sparrows. He explains that providence involves
Erlo Stegen Look Up by Erlo Stegen Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of looking up to God during life's storms, using the story of a sailor who found stability by focusing on his captain's voice. He reminds us t
T. Austin-Sparks Power With God Exemplified in Samuel by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Samuel's ministry as a representation of power with God, particularly in a time when the people of Israel were not aligned with God'
George Warnock A New Priesthood Arises by George Warnock George Warnock emphasizes the transition from the corrupt priesthood of Eli to the rise of Samuel, a faithful servant of God, who was born from Hannah's deep cries for a son. This
David Wilkerson How Far Are You Prepared to Trust God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to make serious changes in their lives if they want to get closer to God. He criticizes the influence of negative medi
Martin Luther Paul, an Apostle, (Not of Men, etc.) by Martin Luther Martin Luther emphasizes the importance of a divine call to the ministry, distinguishing between those called by men, by man, and directly by Jesus Christ like the apostles. He hig

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate