Joshua 7 15

Joshua 7:15 kjv

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.

Joshua 7:15 nkjv

Then it shall be that he who is taken with the accursed thing shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel.' "

Joshua 7:15 niv

Whoever is caught with the devoted things shall be destroyed by fire, along with all that belongs to him. He has violated the covenant of the LORD and has done an outrageous thing in Israel!'?"

Joshua 7:15 esv

And he who is taken with the devoted things shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he has done an outrageous thing in Israel.'"

Joshua 7:15 nlt

The one who has stolen what was set apart for destruction will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has, for he has broken the covenant of the LORD and has done a horrible thing in Israel."

Joshua 7 verses

Joshua 7 15 Meaning

This verse states the severe consequence for the individual identified by divine lot as having taken from the devoted things (Achan). The prescribed punishment is execution by burning, not only of the individual but also all his possessions, because this act constituted a direct breach of the covenant with the LORD and was considered an outrageous and disgraceful offense against the community of Israel.

Joshua 7 15 Context

Joshua 7 details the severe repercussions of Israel's defeat at Ai, immediately following their miraculous victory at Jericho. Before the battle for Jericho, the LORD had issued a specific command (Josh 6:17-19) that everything within Jericho was "devoted to the LORD for destruction" (ḥērem), except for the treasury. No one was to take anything for themselves from the city's spoil; to do so would bring trouble upon the camp of Israel. Achan, however, disobeyed, secretly taking a cloak, silver, and gold. This individual sin caused a corporate consequence: the LORD's anger fell upon all Israel, leading to their surprising defeat at Ai and the loss of 36 men. Joshua, perplexed, sought the LORD, who revealed the cause: someone in the camp had transgressed the command regarding the devoted things. Joshua 7:15, therefore, pronounces the precise divine judgment against the specific person found to be guilty, highlighting the gravity of this sacrilege and the urgency of purifying the camp to restore God's favor and allow Israel to succeed in their conquest.

Joshua 7 15 Word analysis

• And it shall be, that he that is taken: This phrase denotes a divine certainty and process. The discovery of the transgressor was not through human investigation but through a sacred lot, which God divinely directed, emphasizing that the conviction came from the LORD's revelation (Josh 7:14).
• with the devoted thing (Heb. ḥērem - חֵרֶם): Refers to something irrevocably set apart for God, usually by being completely destroyed as an offering, or dedicated to the sanctuary treasury. In the context of Jericho, it was set apart for destruction. Taking what was ḥērem was a grave sacrilege, robbing God, profaning His holy command, and bringing impurity and judgment upon the entire community. It signifies something utterly prohibited and dangerous for human possession.
• shall be burnt with fire (Heb. śāraf - שָׂרַף): This specific punishment, death by fire, was prescribed for sins of extreme defilement or sacrilege (e.g., Lev 20:14; 21:9), rather than general offenses. It symbolizes utter destruction, complete separation from the community, and an act of purification, removing the impurity caused by the sin from Israel. It emphasizes the absolute judgment against the nature of the transgression.
• he and all that he has: This refers not only to Achan but also his entire household, including his sons and daughters, and all his possessions (Josh 7:24). This reflects the principle of corporate solidarity common in ancient Israel and the ancient Near East, where a household's identity and fate were intimately linked to its head. The sin was so heinous, involving such deep defilement and public treason against the LORD, that it affected the entire family associated with the accursed property. This extended punishment also ensures the total eradication of anything associated with the polluted act, signifying a purging of the source of defilement.
• because he has transgressed (Heb. nā‘al - נָעַל - used here in its Qal perfect form, usually related to being "unfaithful" or "treacherous"): This verb denotes acting faithlessly or treacherously. It implies not just a breaking of a rule, but a profound act of disloyalty and rebellion against a divine mandate and the relationship with God Himself. It's an act of deep spiritual infidelity.
• the covenant of the LORD: This specifies that the sin was not merely a crime against human law, but a direct breach of the solemn covenant relationship established between God and Israel at Mount Sinai. Obedience to this covenant was the condition for Israel's continued blessing, presence of God among them, and success in the land. Its violation directly invoked the curses outlined in the covenant.
• and because he has wrought folly in Israel (Heb. ‘āśâ něbālāh - עָשָׂה נְבָלָה): This phrase indicates a despicable, disgraceful, or outrageous act. In the Old Testament, "folly" (něbālāh) often refers to actions that are morally perverse, scandalous, or a deep offense against communal standards and God's holiness (e.g., sexual offenses, wanton cruelty). Achan's act was a shocking perversion of what was right and caused not only divine judgment but also shame and dishonor upon the entire nation, impacting its morale and reputation before other nations. It implies an act that lacks spiritual and moral sense, showing a profound disrespect for divine order.

Joshua 7 15 Bonus section

The "Valley of Achor" (Valley of Trouble) where this judgment took place (Josh 7:24, 26) received its name from Achan's transgression and the resulting corporate "trouble" Israel endured. This place name served as a perpetual, stark reminder of the painful consequences of disobedience to the covenant. However, later prophecy in Hos 2:15 ironically declares that God will transform this very Valley of Achor into a "door of hope" for Israel, symbolizing redemption and renewal after repentance. This prophetic twist underscores that even in the place of judgment, God ultimately extends grace and hope to His people.

Joshua 7 15 Commentary

Joshua 7:15 lays bare the absolute gravity of Achan's sin and the LORD's intolerance for unholiness within His covenant people. By taking from the ḥērem (devoted things), Achan directly challenged God's ownership and sovereignty over Jericho, which was uniquely set apart. This act was more than mere theft; it was sacrilege, an act of unfaithfulness that violated the foundational covenant between God and Israel. The corporate punishment, encompassing Achan's entire household and possessions, underscores the profound theological truth that in ancient Israel, the sin of an individual, particularly one as egregious as sacrilege or idolatry, could pollute and bring judgment upon the entire community. This dramatic judgment served as a powerful purification and object lesson, reminding Israel of God's perfect holiness, the serious consequences of covenant disobedience, and the vital necessity of purity for His presence and blessing to remain among them. This drastic measure purged the spiritual infection, allowing Israel to regain divine favor and continue their conquest. While direct familial retribution is not God's common mode of judgment today (Dt 24:16 emphasizes individual responsibility for common sins), the underlying principle endures: personal sin can have ripple effects that harm the broader community, and God always addresses sin decisively to uphold His holiness.