Joshua 7:1-9:27

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Joshua 7:1

Joshua 7:1. But the children of Israel That is, one of them. It is a usual form of speech in the Holy Scriptures, to ascribe that to many indefinitely, which properly belonged only to one or two of the same body or society. Thus ( Mat 26:8 ) we find that to be ascribed to all the disciples which was done by Judas alone: see John 12:4. Committed a trespass in the accursed thing Offended God by taking some of the spoils which were devoted to destruction, or appropriated to God’s treasury,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joshua 7:1-26

Achan’s sin (7:1-26)God was angry that Israel had not been fully obedient to him in the conquest of Jericho. One of the people, Achan, secretly kept for himself what he should have destroyed (7:1). Therefore, when the Israelites moved on to attack the much smaller town of Ai, God allowed them to be driven back and to suffer losses (2-5). Joshua was distressed, not just because Israel had been defeated, but because their defeat would encourage the Canaanites. If all the Canaanites joined forces,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Joshua 7:1

children = sons. a trespass = a treachery, unfaithfulness. Hebrew ma'al. App-43 . Compare Leviticus 6:2 . Deu 32:51 . 1 Chronicles 5:25 , breach of faith or trust. accursed = devoted. Compare Joshua 6:17 , &c. Achan Troubler; called Achar, 1 Chronicles 2:7 . took. Septuagint has enosphisanto = took for themselves, i.e. sacrilege. Same word as in Acts 5:1 , Acts 5:2 of Ananias and Sapphire. the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Joshua 7:1

THE DEFEAT AT AIContrasting sharply with the previous chapter, this one reveals a shocking setback to Israel's progress, namely, the defeat at Ai. Many Bible students have been impressed with the manner in which the experiences of Joshua parallel those of the early church in the Book of Acts.(1) The glorious success of Pentecost was soon followed by the shameful episode of Ananias and his wife Sapphira. Here the great success at Jericho is quickly followed by the shameful defeat at Ai.(2)... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Joshua 7:1

Ver. 1. But the children of Israel— Though there was but one guilty, the historian attributes to the whole society, whereof Achan was a member, the criminal action which he had committed. This is the style of Scripture, and it is the language of reason. See Calmet. A people, properly speaking, is only one moral person. The common interest, which connects all the members of it together, warrants the imputing to the whole nation what is done by the individuals who compose it, unless it be... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Joshua 7:1

1. the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing—There was one transgressor against the cherem, or ban, on Jericho, and his transgression brought the guilt and disgrace of sin upon the whole nation. Achan—called afterwards "Achar" ("trouble") ( :-). Zabdi—or Zimri ( :-). Zerah—or Zarah, son of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:30). His genealogy is given probably to show that from a parentage so infamous the descendants would not be carefully trained in the fear of God. Genesis... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 7:1

"But" very significantly introduces this chapter. Chapter 6 is a record of supernatural victory, but chapter 7 describes a great defeat.Even though Achan was the individual who sinned, and even though his sin was private, God regarded what he did as the action of the whole nation. This was so because he was a member of the community of Israel and his actions affected the rest of the Israelites. The Hebrew word translated "unfaithfully" (maal) means "treacherously" or "secretly."Achan had not... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 7:1-26

2. Defeat at Ai ch. 7At Jericho, Israel learned God’s strength. At Ai, she learned her own weakness. She could only conquer her enemies as she remained faithful to God’s covenant."We are never in greater danger than right after we have won a great victory." [Note: Henry Jacobsen, Claiming God’s Promises: Joshua, p. 62.] "The pinching of the [east-west] ridge route by Ai . . . makes it a natural first line of defense for the Hill Country around Bethel. Therefore, tactically speaking, the... 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 7:1

VII.(1) Achan . . . of the tribe of Judah.—The tribe of Judah is distinguished in sacred history both for great crimes and great achievements. (See Names on the Gates of Pearl.—Judah.) read more

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