Joshua 7

1 the children of Israel committed, etc. Achan was evidently the only offender in this matter among all the thousands of Israel—a wonderful instance of religious discipline and obedience. Yet the whole nation became implicated in the consequences of his transgression, in accordance with that principle of the Divine government that whole communities often profit by the virtues, and suffer from the vices, of a single individual. “Accursed,” i.e., “devoted.” See vi. 17 note.

2. Ai. The same as Hai, mentioned in Gen. xii. 8.

6 rent his clothes, etc. The customary indications of violent grief and humiliation among the Orientals.

9 what will Thou do unto Thy great name? Joshua was even more concerned for God’s glory than for Israel’s safety: but his prayer shows also a mixture of despondency and unbelief.

10. Get thee up. The time which is required for vigorous reformation is not to be spent in empty grief.

14 the tribe which the Lord taketh. Intimating that the decision of the lot would be ordered by a special providence (Prov. xvi. 33).

16 by their tribes. Each tribe being probably represented by one of its chiefs.

17 the family of Judah. Read “families,” and afterwards as follows: “and he brought the family of the Zarihites by households, and [the household of] Zabdi was taken,” etc.

19 give . . . glory to the Lord. i.e., honour God by a public confession of the sin which His omniscience has detected, and submission to the punishment which His justice requires.

21 a goodly Babylonish garment. Literally, “mantle of Shinar.” Shinar was the ancient name of the territory of Babylon (see Gen. x. 10). The confession, I saw, I coveted, and took, is simply natural, and quite in accordance with the record of the first temptation, see Gen. iii. 6. But confession is too late when it is not made till the time of judgement.

24 all Israel. Acting through their chiefs, as representatives.