Joshua 7

Joshua 7:1

Achan] Achan is called also Achar, 1 Chron. II. 7. which signifieth a Troubler; and the Place of his execution is called the Valley of Achor, v. 26., that is trouble. He was Grand-childe of Zabdi; otherwise called Zimri, 1 Chron. II. 6.

Joshua 7:2

Ai] Ai is called Hai, Gen. XII. 8. and Aijah, Neh. XI. 31. in the tribe of Benjamin, very near to Bethel, Ezra II. 28. Neh. VII. 32. and differs from that Ai, situate between Heshbon and Rabbah, in the tribe of God; yet taken by the Ammonites; whereof see Jeremie XLIX. 3.

Bethaven] Bethaven, and Bethel, two distinct townes, not farre asunder, near the North bounds of the Tribe of Benjamin. Yet Hosea calls Bethel by the name of Bethaven, the house of vanity, and vaine Idols, in scorne and derision, for Jeroboams golden Calf there set up, Hos. IV. 15. and V. 8. and X. 5. See the Observations on 1 King. XII. 29, 32.

Joshua 7:14

Taketh] By Divine instinct and command Lots are here used; In which case their judgement is infallible. Of Lots, see my Annotations on Ionah. I. 7.

Joshua 7:24

And his sonnes] Gods severe judgement upon his whole family, ver. 24, 25. is warranted by Him, who is sole Dispensor, and Sovereigne Lord over his own Law, Deut. XXIV. 16. And at the most, his Sacriledge, was but the Occasion, not the Cause of Gods judgement upon his family; They having sinne enough in themselves otherwise, for Gods justice to work upon, though they had no hand in this sacrilegious act.