“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.”
Context:Joshua 7:11 is part of the account of the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, following the death of Moses. The specific verse comes after the Israelites suffered a surprising defeat at the city of Ai. Joshua was perplexed and sought God’s guidance to understand the reason behind their defeat. In this verse, God reveals to Joshua the reason for their failure, which was due to sin and a violation of God’s covenant.
Sin and Transgression:God states that Israel has sinned and transgressed His covenant. Sin refers to any disobedience or rebellion against God’s commands, while transgression implies crossing a boundary or going against God’s established rules. The people of Israel had violated God’s covenant, which was a sacred agreement between God and His chosen people, outlining their responsibilities and the blessings and consequences associated with their obedience or disobedience.
The Accursed Thing:The verse mentions that the Israelites took of the “accursed thing.” This refers to the forbidden spoils of the city of Jericho, which the Israelites were commanded not to take. God had explicitly instructed that all the spoils of Jericho were to be devoted to Him as a holy offering (Joshua 6:17-19). However, one man named Achan disobeyed this command and took some of the forbidden items, leading to the defeat at Ai.
Stealing and Deception:In addition to taking the accursed thing, the Israelites also stole and deceived. This implies that they not only violated God’s commandment but also engaged in dishonesty and concealment. Their actions went against the principles of integrity and trustworthiness that God expects from His people.
Consequences:The consequences of Israel’s sin and transgression were severe. As a result of their disobedience, the Israelites were unable to stand against their enemies, and they suffered defeat at Ai. God’s presence and favour were withdrawn due to their unfaithfulness. The consequences of sin can hinder God’s blessings and protection in our lives as well.
Lessons and Applications:
- Obedience to God’s commands:The story of Joshua 7:11 emphasises the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Even a single act of disobedience can have serious consequences. It reminds us to carefully follow God’s instructions and not to compromise His standards.
- Honesty and integrity:The mention of stealing and deception serves as a reminder that God expects His people to live lives of honesty and integrity. Dishonesty can lead to negative consequences and hinder our relationship with God and others.
- The seriousness of sin:This passage highlights the seriousness of sin in God’s eyes. It demonstrates that sin has consequences and can impact not only the individual but also the community as a whole.
- Repentance and restoration:Despite the judgment on Israel, there is hope for repentance and restoration. The subsequent chapters describe how the sin of Achan is exposed, he confesses his sin, and God brings about a resolution. It teaches us that even when we have sinned, genuine repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness can lead to restoration and healing.
Overall, Joshua 7:11 reminds us of the importance of obedience, integrity, and the need to deal with sin in our lives. It serves as a cautionary tale and calls us to seek God’s guidance and live in accordance with His commands.
