How does Joshua 7:22 demonstrate the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands? Setting the Scene After Jericho’s fall, God commanded Israel not to take any devoted items (Joshua 6:17–19). Achan secretly seized a beautiful robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a fifty-shekel gold bar. Israel’s next battle at Ai ended in defeat, prompting the Lord to reveal that someone had violated the ban. Key Verse “ So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath.” (Joshua 7:22) How Joshua 7:22 Spotlights the Consequences of Disobedience • Sin is never truly hidden – Achan thought a buried stash would stay buried. God exposed it. – Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sin will find you out.” • Judgment begins with discovery – The messengers “ran,” indicating urgency; divine justice does not drag its feet. – Once uncovered, the cursed items become evidence against him (Deuteronomy 19:15b). • Disobedience affects community – Israel’s collective defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:5) shows corporate fallout from individual rebellion. – 1 Corinthians 5:6: “A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.” • Material gain turns to loss – What seemed valuable now condemns Achan; treasure transforms into testimony for prosecution. – Proverbs 10:2: “Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value.” • God’s word stands literal and unbreakable – The ban in Joshua 6 was explicit. Violation brought exactly the result God warned. – Galatians 6:7: “God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Takeaways for Believers • Obey God fully; partial obedience is disobedience. • Hidden sin must be confessed before God exposes it. • Personal choices carry communal consequences. • Earthly treasures never justify disobeying divine commands. • God’s holiness demands accountability; His mercy offers repentance beforehand. |
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