Joshua 7:11

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 7:10-15

God reminded Joshua that he should not look for the reason for Israel’s defeat in God but in Israel."The first three clauses [in Joshua 7:11] describe the sin in its relation to God, as a grievous offense; the three following according to its true character, as a great, obstinate, and reckless crime." [Note: Keil and Delitzsch, p. 79.] Israel resorted to the casting of lots when no eyewitness could testify against a criminal (cf. 1 Samuel 14:41-42; Jonah 1:7; Proverbs 18:18). Probably the high... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 7:1-26

Repulse at Ai, due to Achan’s SinThe capture of Jericho is followed by an attempt upon Ai, a place of strategic importance, as commanding a main entrance into the interior of Canaan westward; the upper entrance into the valley of Aijalon being commanded by Ai and Bethel. This chapter has an interest of its own, as exhibiting Joshua in a new light, as the spiritual guide, drawing out, with the mingled sweetness and severity of a father (Joshua 7:19), the sinner’s detailed confession (see on... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Joshua 7:11

(11) They have also transgressed my covenant.—The law is again brought prominently forward in this scene. “The words of the covenant, the ten commandments,” are first of all a pledge that Jehovah is the God of Israel. “I am Jehovah, thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt.” And He brought them out that He might bring them in—and He made them the executioners of His wrath against the idolaters. They must have no other gods but Him, and they must not treat the things that had been... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Joshua 7:1-26

CHAPTER XIV.ACHAN’S TRESPASS.Joshua 7:1-26.A VESSEL in full sail scuds merrily over the waves. Everything betokens a successful and delightful voyage. The log has just been taken, marking an extraordinary run. The passengers are in the highest spirits, anticipating an early close of the voyage. Suddenly a shock is felt, and terror is seen on every face. The ship has struck on a rock. Not only is progress arrested, but it will be a mercy for crew and passengers if they can escape with their... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Joshua 7:1-26

7. Achan’s Sin and Israel’s Defeat CHAPTER 7 1. The defeat of Israel (Joshua 7:1-5 ) 2. The source of the defeat revealed (Joshua 7:6-15 ) 3. The transgressor found out (Joshua 7:16-23 ) 4. The judgment of Achan (Joshua 7:24-26 ) The insignificant place Ai brings defeat. Joshua sent men to view Ai. What authority was given to him to do so? There was no need to send spies once more, for the Lord had said, that the whole land was given to them. They report Ai a place without walls and... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 7:1-26

DEFEATED BY AI (vs.1-9) Though Joshua and Israel as such were unaware of it, there was sin in the camp that affected all of Israel, for we are told that "the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things" (v.1). Only one man had done this, but God held the nation responsible because the man, Achan, was part of Israel. He had taken some things that were under the curse and God was therefore angry with Israel (v.1). Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai to spy out... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Joshua 7:1-26

JERICHO AND AI DIVINE ORDERS (Joshua 6:1-5 ) These verses should not be separated from the foregoing by a chapter division, since it is evident that the orders here received by Joshua were given by the Captain of the Lord’s host previously described. Observe another proof of His deity in the words, “I have given into thine hand Jericho.” The mode by which Joshua was to proceed (Joshua 6:3-5 ) calls for no explanation. What had been his own preparations for the attack on the city? Was he... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Joshua 7:1-26

Curious Conjunctions Joshua 7:0 APART from the main course of this narrative, there are some conjunctions of names which are full of interest, and full also of spiritual instruction and comfort. We have to go in search of some beautiful things: they do not always lie upon the broad and open surface. The loveliest parts of a country are not always seen by travellers who keep on the highway: they lie apart, they have to be sought for; there are little dells, waterfalls, tarns, and natural... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Joshua 7:11

The Lord mercifully points to the cause. Yes! unless the Holy Ghost discovers to us our sins, never shall we be convinced of them. John 16:8 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Joshua 7:11

Lied. Each one, on delivering up what he had taken, made profession, at least by his behaviour, (Haydock) that he retained nothing. Achan did like the rest, but he kept back of the plunder. (Calmet) --- He lied, and did not comply with the promise made by all Israel, which he was bound to observe, as much as if he had made it with his own mouth. read more

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