How does Joshua 7:21 illustrate the consequences of coveting and disobedience to God? Setting the Scene • In Joshua 6:18–19 the LORD commanded Israel to devote Jericho’s spoils to Him alone. • Joshua 7 opens with the stark announcement: “The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things devoted to destruction” (v. 1). • Joshua 7:21 is Achan’s confession after Israel’s unexpected defeat at Ai. Text Under the Microscope “ ‘When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.’ ” (Joshua 7:21) Steps in the Downward Spiral 1. Saw – “When I saw…” 2. Coveted – “…I coveted them…” (compare Exodus 20:17). 3. Took – “…and took them…” (echo of Genesis 3:6). 4. Hid – “…hidden in the ground inside my tent…” (cf. Proverbs 28:13). This four-step pattern shows how unchecked desire becomes deliberate disobedience. Immediate Consequences for Achan • Exposure: God pinpointed the offender (Joshua 7:14–18). • Judgment: Achan, his household, and his possessions were destroyed in the Valley of Achor (vv. 24–26). • Loss of Legacy: His name becomes a byword for trouble. Corporate Fallout for Israel • Military defeat and the death of thirty-six men (Joshua 7:5). • God’s presence and favor temporarily withdrawn: “I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction” (v. 12). • National humiliation before enemies (v. 9). • Time, energy, and resources diverted to deal with sin instead of advancing in conquest. Truths Illustrated • Sin is never merely personal; it infects the community (1 Corinthians 5:6). • Hidden sin cannot stay hidden from the LORD (Numbers 32:23; Hebrews 4:13). • Disobedience nullifies previous victories; obedience restores fellowship (Joshua 8:1). • Coveting is idolatry in seed form (Colossians 3:5), trading God’s glory for lesser treasures. Parallel Warnings in Scripture • James 1:14–15 – Desire conceived leads to sin, sin to death. • 1 Timothy 6:9–10 – Craving riches plunges people into ruin. • Psalm 66:18 – Cherished sin blocks prayer. • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Practical Guardrails for Today • Cultivate contentment (Philippians 4:11–13). • Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly (1 John 1:9). • Live transparently; invite accountability (Hebrews 3:13). • Remember the stewardship principle: all we possess belongs to the LORD (Psalm 24:1). • Focus on eternal reward rather than temporal gain (Matthew 6:19–21). Takeaway Joshua 7:21 vividly demonstrates that coveting and disobedience carry swift, serious, and far-reaching consequences. When God’s clear commands collide with alluring treasure, choosing obedience preserves life, community, and fellowship with the Holy One. |
    |