Even a single act of disobedience among God’s people can have dire consequences and disrupt their covenant relationship.
But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the LORD burned against the sons of Israel. (v.1) This verse introduces a difficult moment for the Israelites after their successful conquest of Jericho. They had been strictly commanded by God to devote certain items to Him, destroying or consecrating them, rather than keeping them for personal use (Joshua 6:17-19). Here, the verse highlights that someone within the community—Achan—violated this mandate. The word “unfaithfully” indicates a break in trust and commitment, reminiscent of how sin affects our relationship with God (Romans 3:23). By describing the anger of the LORD burning against Israel, the scripture emphasizes the seriousness of disobedience.
Achan, identified as the “son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah,” fits into the historical timeline of Israel’s twelve tribes during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1400-1200 BC). He is portrayed as a direct descendant of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, who lived roughly in the early second millennium BC (Genesis 29:35). His lineage reveals a notable family heritage, placing him in the same tribe from which King David and eventually Jesus Christ Himself would descend (Matthew 1:1-2). Despite his significant genealogical background, Achan’s actions bring misfortune and reflect the fact that every person, regardless of pedigree, must remain faithful to God’s commands.
The geographical context involves the people of Israel in the land of Canaan after their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. They had just witnessed the fall of Jericho, a fortified city located near the Jordan Valley in the southern portion of the Jordan River region. The city’s strategic position made its conquest a pivotal moment for entering the Promised Land. Nevertheless, because Achan kept some of the items meant to be destroyed or set apart, he introduced a rupture in trust that would affect Israel’s spiritual and military standing with the Lord.
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Joshua 7:1 meaning
But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the LORD burned against the sons of Israel. (v.1) This verse introduces a difficult moment for the Israelites after their successful conquest of Jericho. They had been strictly commanded by God to devote certain items to Him, destroying or consecrating them, rather than keeping them for personal use (Joshua 6:17-19). Here, the verse highlights that someone within the community—Achan—violated this mandate. The word “unfaithfully” indicates a break in trust and commitment, reminiscent of how sin affects our relationship with God (Romans 3:23). By describing the anger of the LORD burning against Israel, the scripture emphasizes the seriousness of disobedience.
Achan, identified as the “son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah,” fits into the historical timeline of Israel’s twelve tribes during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1400-1200 BC). He is portrayed as a direct descendant of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob, who lived roughly in the early second millennium BC (Genesis 29:35). His lineage reveals a notable family heritage, placing him in the same tribe from which King David and eventually Jesus Christ Himself would descend (Matthew 1:1-2). Despite his significant genealogical background, Achan’s actions bring misfortune and reflect the fact that every person, regardless of pedigree, must remain faithful to God’s commands.
The geographical context involves the people of Israel in the land of Canaan after their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. They had just witnessed the fall of Jericho, a fortified city located near the Jordan Valley in the southern portion of the Jordan River region. The city’s strategic position made its conquest a pivotal moment for entering the Promised Land. Nevertheless, because Achan kept some of the items meant to be destroyed or set apart, he introduced a rupture in trust that would affect Israel’s spiritual and military standing with the Lord.