Joshua 7:1

Achan Sins and is Punished

7:1 But the Israelites disobeyed the command about the city’s riches. 1  Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, 2  son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, stole some of the riches. 3  The Lord was furious with the Israelites. 4 

Joshua 7:11-12

7:11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenantal commandment! 5  They have taken some of the riches; 6  they have stolen them and deceitfully put them among their own possessions. 7  7:12 The Israelites are unable to stand before their enemies; they retreat because they have become subject to annihilation. 8  I will no longer be with you, 9  unless you destroy what has contaminated you. 10 

Joshua 7:15

7:15 The one caught with the riches 11  must be burned up 12  along with all who belong to him, because he violated the Lord’s covenant and did such a disgraceful thing in Israel.’”

1 tn Heb “But the sons of Israel were unfaithful with unfaithfulness concerning what was set apart [to the Lord].”

2 tn 1 Chr 2:6 lists a “Zimri” (but no Zabdi) as one of the five sons of Zerah (cf. also 1 Chr 7:17, 18).

3 tn Heb “took from what was set apart [to the Lord].”

4 tn Heb “the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel.”

sn This incident illustrates well the principle of corporate solidarity and corporate guilt. The sin of one man brought the Lord’s anger down upon the entire nation.

5 tn Heb “They have violated my covenant which I commanded them.”

6 tn Heb “what was set apart [to the Lord].”

7 tn Heb “and also they have stolen, and also they have lied, and also they have placed [them] among their items.”

8 tn Heb “they turn [the] back before their enemies because they are set apart [to destruction by the Lord].”

9 tn The second person pronoun is plural in Hebrew, indicating these words are addressed to the entire nation.

10 tn Heb “what is set apart [to destruction by the Lord] from your midst.”

11 tn Heb “with what was set apart [to the Lord].”

12 tn Heb “burned with fire.”