Joshua 7:4

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 7:4

(4) They fled before the men of Ai.—A very natural reaction from overweening confidence to utter dismay is exhibited in this incident and its effect (Joshua 7:5), “the heart of the people melted and became as water.” The demoralisation of Israel was a suitable penalty for their assumption, quite apart from its supernatural cause. It was absolutely necessary that the character of the conquest of Canaan should be vindicated, at whatever cost. 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 7:4-5

Reader! spiritualize the passage, and say: Doth not your heart melt, when at any time the enemy seemeth to triumph, when from unbelief; or disobedience, or backsliding, the Lord hath a controversy with you? See that sweet text of Ezra 9:6 . read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 7:1-5

1-5 Achan took some of the spoil of Jericho. The love of the world is that root of bitterness, which of all others is most hardly rooted up. We should take heed of sin ourselves, lest by it many be defiled or disquieted, Hebrews 12:15; and take heed of having fellowship with sinners, lest we share their guilt. It concerns us to watch over one another to prevent sin, because others' sins may be to our damage. The easy conquest of Jericho excited contempt of the enemy, and a disposition to expect... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Joshua 7:1-9

Israel's defeat at Ai v. 1. But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing, the sin of one man being regarded as compromising all and making the entire host of Israel guilty in the sight of God; for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi (or Zimri, 1 Chronicles 2:6), the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing, appropriated some of the booty of the city, all of which had been declared devoted to the Lord, for his own use; and the anger of... read more

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