What is the meaning of Joshua 7:19? Joshua said to Achan Joshua 7:19 opens with, “So Joshua said to Achan….” The scene follows Israel’s stunning defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:1–5). Joshua, as leader, seeks the cause of God’s displeasure. His direct address recalls Moses confronting Korah (Numbers 16:28–30) and Peter confronting Ananias (Acts 5:3–4). A godly leader must deal with sin openly for the sake of the whole community (1 Corinthians 5:6–13). My son Joshua’s first words are tender: “My son….” Despite Achan’s grave offense, Joshua speaks with pastoral gentleness, much like Paul calling the runaway slave “Onesimus, my child” (Philemon 10) or John addressing believers as “little children” (1 John 2:1). Grace and truth meet here—discipline wrapped in affection (Hebrews 12:6–7). Give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel Joshua calls Achan to honor God publicly. Confession magnifies the Lord’s holiness and justice (Psalm 51:4). When the blind man testified about Jesus, he likewise was told, “Give glory to God” (John 9:24). Achan’s sin had robbed God of glory; his confession must restore it (1 Samuel 6:5). Make a confession to Him Confession is directed first to God, then to people (Psalm 32:5; James 5:16). True repentance acknowledges God’s right to judge and forgives no sin lightly. Here the pattern aligns with David’s confession after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:13) and the returned exiles’ prayer in Nehemiah 9:2–3. Tell me what you have done Joshua presses for specifics: “I urge you to tell me what you have done….” Genuine repentance names the offense (Proverbs 28:13). Vague admissions dodge responsibility. The detailed confession in Daniel 9:5–11 models this transparency before both God and man. Do not hide it from me Sin thrives in secrecy (John 3:20). Joshua’s command echoes God’s call to Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). Nothing is hidden from the Lord (Hebrews 4:13); bringing sin into the light is the first step toward cleansing (1 John 1:7–9). summary Joshua 7:19 shows a loving yet firm leader guiding a sinner toward full disclosure. Addressed as “my son,” Achan is urged to glorify God by open confession, renounce secrecy, and detail his wrongdoing. The verse underscores that honest, specific repentance restores honor to God, safeguards the community, and opens a path to forgiveness. |
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