Joshua 7:18

The Sin of Achan · Joshua 7:16–26
Read Joshua 7

Translations

Modern
And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected.
Traditional
And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.
Literal
And he brought his house by the man, and Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.
Latin
…cujus domum in singulos dividens viros, invenit Achan filium Charmi filii Zabdi filii Zare de tribu Juda.

Original

Hebrew
English
And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected.

Notes

Achan may have been identified through the use of the Urim and Thummim, a God-given method for casting sacred lots (objects used to seek God’s decision). These items remained in the care of the high priest, probably kept in a bag or pouch (see Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:21). They may have been two objects of different colors, possibly stones or gems. People asked questions in a way that required a “yes” or “no” answer.

After Jericho became part of Israel, Joshua's first military task was to secure a position in the hill country. Conquering Jericho boosted Israel's confidence and left the people of Canaan feeling discouraged and without hope. However, everything depended on Israel's obedience to God. The sin of one man and its consequences show the importance of the command to destroy Jericho (see “Complete Dedication” Theme Note).

Events

People

Achan: An Israelite who stole devoted things, causing Israel's defeat Carmi: Father of Achan, who stole devoted things Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Zabdi: Ancestor of Achan, who sinned against Israel Zerah: Son of Judah, twin of Perez

Glossary

Ai Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Carmi Conquest and Allotment of the Land Curse, Cursed Joshua (Person) Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Lots, Casting of Tribe of Dan Zabdi Zerah

Topics

Carmi: Father of Achan Discipline of Armies, for Disobedience of Orders Dishonesty: Achan Hides the Wedge of Gold and the Babylonian Garment Disobedience to God of Achan, in Hiding the Wedge of Gold and the Babylonian Garnient Intercession: Exemplified The Armies of Israel: Strict Discipline Observed In The Lot: Achan's Guilt Ascertained By the Tribe of Judah: Remarkable Persons of Achan