This passage highlights the seriousness of disobedience and the communal nature of sin.
Joshua 7:11 says, “Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things.” (v.11) Here, the ominous declaration comes from the LORD Himself. The people of Israel, led by Joshua around 1406 BC after they had entered the Promised Land, are confronted with the reality that their failure to conquer Ai stems from disobedience. Though no specific city is named in this verse, the broader context reveals that Israel’s defeat at Ai (which is located near Bethel in Canaan) occurred because someone among them had taken spoils that were devoted exclusively to God. This disobedience violated the sacred trust of God’s covenant, resulting in a collective consequence.
When the LORD states that “Israel has sinned” (v.11), He emphasizes how the entire nation becomes guilty through one member’s wrongdoing—Achan, who secretly stole items meant for destruction (Joshua 7:1). The people’s covenant with God was based on following His instructions completely, a principle that echoes throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament’s focus on heartfelt obedience (Romans 6:16). The nation’s sinful actions, as described in the words “they have also put them among their own things” (v.11), warn us of the danger of hidden sin. Not only does it break trust with the Lord, but it also brings communal consequences until the sin is addressed and confessed.
Israel’s transgression in this verse foreshadows the importance of accountability and fellowship among God’s people, revealing that God’s holiness demands repentance. Jesus later highlights a similar principle of confronting hidden sin within the community of believers (Matthew 18:15-17), demonstrating that honesty before God remains essential in every generation.
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Joshua 7:11 meaning
Joshua 7:11 says, “Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things.” (v.11) Here, the ominous declaration comes from the LORD Himself. The people of Israel, led by Joshua around 1406 BC after they had entered the Promised Land, are confronted with the reality that their failure to conquer Ai stems from disobedience. Though no specific city is named in this verse, the broader context reveals that Israel’s defeat at Ai (which is located near Bethel in Canaan) occurred because someone among them had taken spoils that were devoted exclusively to God. This disobedience violated the sacred trust of God’s covenant, resulting in a collective consequence.
When the LORD states that “Israel has sinned” (v.11), He emphasizes how the entire nation becomes guilty through one member’s wrongdoing—Achan, who secretly stole items meant for destruction (Joshua 7:1). The people’s covenant with God was based on following His instructions completely, a principle that echoes throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament’s focus on heartfelt obedience (Romans 6:16). The nation’s sinful actions, as described in the words “they have also put them among their own things” (v.11), warn us of the danger of hidden sin. Not only does it break trust with the Lord, but it also brings communal consequences until the sin is addressed and confessed.
Israel’s transgression in this verse foreshadows the importance of accountability and fellowship among God’s people, revealing that God’s holiness demands repentance. Jesus later highlights a similar principle of confronting hidden sin within the community of believers (Matthew 18:15-17), demonstrating that honesty before God remains essential in every generation.