How does Joshua 7:23 connect to the commandment against coveting? Achan Hidden, Then Uncovered - Joshua 7 records a literal, historical moment when Israel suffered defeat at Ai because “the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction” (Joshua 7:1). - Joshua 7:23 captures the climax: “So they took them from inside the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and spread them out before the LORD.” - Gold, silver, and a beautiful Babylonian cloak—items God had devoted to destruction (Joshua 6:18-19)—are now laid bare. The very objects Achan secretly desired are exposed before the whole nation and before God. The Tenth Commandment in View “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house…or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17) - Coveting begins in the heart: an inordinate, self-focused craving for what God has not granted. - Achan’s sin started with coveting (Joshua 7:21). He saw, he coveted, he took, he hid. - Joshua 7:23 visually connects the hidden desire of Exodus 20:17 to tangible, condemnable action: those coveted items must be dragged out and displayed. Why Coveting Is So Serious - It defies God’s ownership. Everything in Jericho belonged to the LORD (Joshua 6:17-19). Coveting says, “It should be mine.” - It births further sin. James 1:14-15: desire conceives sin; sin brings death. Achan’s coveting led to theft, deceit, and ultimately judgment on himself and his family (Joshua 7:24-26). - It harms community. Israel’s entire army suffered defeat (Joshua 7:5). Coveting is never merely private; it infects the body (1 Corinthians 12:26). Lessons Shown by the Exposure in Joshua 7:23 • Hidden sin will be revealed. Luke 12:2—“Nothing is concealed that will not be disclosed.” • God’s holiness demands full disclosure and removal of the devoted things. Israel cannot progress until the coveting heart is dealt with. • The physical spreading out of the loot before the LORD underlines that every object of illicit desire must be surrendered to God’s judgment. Practical Takeaways - Guard the eyes (Matthew 6:22-23). Achan’s downfall began with an unguarded gaze. - Cultivate contentment (Hebrews 13:5). A satisfied heart resists coveting. - Confess quickly (Proverbs 28:13). Delay only deepens the damage; open confession restores fellowship. - Remember ownership. Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” Everything I handle is His stewardship, not my possession. Related Scriptures That Echo the Theme - Deuteronomy 5:21—parallel statement of the commandment. - 1 Timothy 6:9-10—love of money plunges men into ruin. - Colossians 3:5—covetousness is idolatry. - Proverbs 15:27—“He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household.” Joshua 7:23 stands as a vivid, historical picture of the Tenth Commandment in action. The hidden treasure of a coveting heart cannot remain hidden; it will be pulled from the tent, laid out in the open, and judged under the unwavering light of God’s holiness. |
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