“And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.”
Context: In Joshua 7, we find the account of the Israelites’ defeat at the city of Ai. The defeat was a direct result of one man’s sin, which caused the Lord to withdraw His favor from Israel. In this verse, the Lord commands Joshua to discover the guilty person who has violated His covenant and brought trouble upon the people.
The Accursed Thing: The “accursed thing” referred to in this verse is an object that was specifically prohibited by the Lord. Earlier, in Joshua 6:18, God commanded the Israelites not to take any of the devoted things from Jericho, as they were to be entirely dedicated to the Lord. However, a man named Achan had disregarded this command and took some of the forbidden items.
Consequences of Transgression: The verse states that the person who is found to have taken the accursed thing would be burned with fire, along with all his possessions. This severe punishment was a direct consequence of Achan’s transgression. Achan’s sin not only violated the covenant between God and Israel, but it also brought calamity upon the whole nation.
Lessons and Spiritual Application:
- Importance of Obedience: Joshua 7:15 reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. God had given specific instructions regarding the devoted things, and Achan’s disobedience had severe consequences. It serves as a warning to us to take God’s commands seriously and to honor the covenants we have made with Him.
- The Influence of Individual Sin: Achan’s sin affected the entire nation of Israel. Similarly, our individual actions and choices can have consequences that extend beyond ourselves. It highlights the interconnectedness of the community of believers and emphasizes the need for personal accountability and responsibility.
- God’s Holiness and Justice: The punishment for Achan’s sin demonstrates the holiness and justice of God. God is holy and expects His people to be holy as well. He cannot tolerate disobedience and sin. However, it’s important to note that while God’s justice is severe, His mercy is always available to those who repent and seek forgiveness.
- Repentance and Restoration: Achan’s sin ultimately led to his confession and the purification of Israel. This episode teaches us the importance of repentance and the opportunity for restoration through God’s grace. We can learn from Achan’s mistake and turn to God in genuine repentance when we have sinned, trusting in His forgiveness and seeking restoration in our relationship with Him.
In summary, Joshua 7:15 teaches us about the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the consequences of individual sin, God’s holiness and justice, and the opportunity for repentance and restoration.
