How does this verse connect to the importance of holiness in Leviticus? The Setting of Joshua 7:12 “This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run, because they have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.” Achan secretly kept items God had placed under the ban at Jericho (7:1). One man’s compromise infected the entire camp. Defeat at Ai exposed the hidden sin and triggered God’s sober announcement: until the devoted things are removed, His presence and protection are withdrawn. Key Terms That Echo Leviticus • set apart for destruction – the same Hebrew root behind “holy,” meaning “devoted, separated” • devoted to destruction – items irreversibly dedicated to God, much like offerings that could never be reclaimed (Leviticus 27:28-29) • I will no longer be with you – God’s presence hinges on maintained holiness (Leviticus 26:11-12) Holiness in Leviticus: The Non-Negotiable Standard • “Be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7-8) • Uncleanness is contagious; holiness requires continual separation and cleansing (Leviticus 13–15). • Anything “devoted” becomes untouchable; to violate that devotion invites judgment (Leviticus 27:28-29). • Sin in the camp removes God’s fellowship until atonement is made (Leviticus 16). Parallels Between Joshua 7 and Leviticus • Corporate effect – One offender imperils all (Leviticus 4:13-21; Numbers 16). • Removal of defilement – The banned objects had to be exposed and destroyed (Leviticus 14:34-45). • Divine presence – God’s nearness rests on obedience; holiness is prerequisite, not optional (Leviticus 26:11-12). Consequences of Compromised Holiness • Loss of divine protection (Joshua 7:12; Leviticus 26:17). • Fear and defeat before enemies (Joshua 7:5; Leviticus 26:36-37). • Potential annihilation if sin remains (Joshua 7:12 “set apart for destruction”; Leviticus 10:1-3 Nadab & Abihu). Restoration Through Removal and Atonement • Joshua identified, confronted, and purged the sin (7:13-26). • Leviticus prescribes confession, sacrifice, and removal of impurity (Leviticus 5; 16:29-34). • Once holiness is re-established, God’s favor returns (Joshua 8:1; Leviticus 26:9). Wider Biblical Echoes • Deuteronomy 23:14 – God walks in the camp; everything unclean must be removed. • Psalm 24:3-4 – clean hands and a pure heart are required to stand in His presence. • 1 Peter 1:15-16 – Peter quotes Leviticus, applying its call to holiness to the church. • 1 Corinthians 5 – corporate discipline mirrors Joshua’s purging for the sake of communal purity. Living Out the Lesson Today • Personal purity matters; hidden sin never stays private. • Corporate holiness counts; one believer’s actions affect the whole body. • Swift confession and repentance restore fellowship and power. • God’s unchanging character guarantees the same principle: holiness invites His presence; compromise forfeits it. Joshua 7:12 thus serves as a vivid, post-Exodus illustration of Leviticus’ central truth: the Holy God dwells with a holy people—or He withdraws until holiness is restored. |
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