Joshua 7:22

So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath.

Study Bible

So Joshua sent messengers
Joshua, as the leader of Israel, takes decisive action to address the sin in the camp. This reflects his role as a judge and leader, similar to Moses. The sending of messengers indicates the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate investigation. This action aligns with the biblical principle of confronting sin directly, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17.

who ran to the tent
The urgency of the messengers running signifies the importance of obedience and swift action in dealing with sin. The tent is Achan's dwelling, symbolizing personal responsibility and the hidden nature of sin. Running also reflects the zeal and commitment required in serving God's commands, reminiscent of the urgency in spreading the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:24).

and there it all was
This phrase confirms the truth of God's revelation to Joshua about Achan's sin. It underscores the omniscience of God, who sees all hidden things (Hebrews 4:13). The discovery of the stolen items serves as a tangible proof of Achan's transgression, illustrating the biblical truth that sin will eventually be exposed (Numbers 32:23).

hidden in his tent
The act of hiding the items in the tent represents the deceitfulness of sin and the attempt to conceal wrongdoing. This mirrors the human tendency to hide sin from others and from God, as seen in Genesis 3:8-10 with Adam and Eve. The tent, a personal space, highlights the private nature of sin and its impact on the community.

with the silver underneath
The specific mention of silver being underneath suggests the prioritization of wealth and material gain over obedience to God. This reflects the biblical warning against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) and the danger of covetousness. The placement of silver underneath the other items may symbolize the foundational role of greed in Achan's sin, serving as a cautionary tale for believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this account, demonstrating leadership and obedience to God's commands.

2. Messengers
Individuals sent by Joshua to verify the truth of Achan's confession. Their role is crucial in uncovering the hidden sin within the Israelite camp.

3. Achan
A member of the tribe of Judah who disobeyed God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai.

4. The Tent
Achan's dwelling place where he hid the stolen items. It symbolizes the hidden sin that affects the entire community.

5. The Silver
Part of the spoils that Achan took and hid, representing disobedience and the consequences of coveting what God has forbidden.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Achan's account is a stark reminder that disobedience to God's commands can have severe consequences not only for the individual but for the entire community.

The Importance of Confession
Hidden sin can lead to greater harm. Confession and repentance are crucial steps in restoring one's relationship with God and the community.

Community Responsibility
The sin of one member can affect the whole community. This calls for vigilance and mutual accountability among believers.

God's Holiness and Justice
God's response to Achan's sin underscores His holiness and the seriousness with which He views sin. It serves as a call to live in reverence and obedience.

The Role of Leadership
Joshua's actions demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in addressing sin and guiding the community back to faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Achan's sin and its consequences illustrate the principle found in Numbers 32:23 about sin being exposed?

2. In what ways can hidden sin affect a community today, and how can we apply the lessons from Joshua 7 to prevent this?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to confess a wrongdoing. How did it impact your relationship with God and others?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in maintaining accountability and holiness?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are living in obedience to God's commands, and how can you encourage others to do the same?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 6:18-19
Provides the background command from God to the Israelites to abstain from taking any of the devoted things from Jericho, setting the stage for Achan's transgression.

Numbers 32:23
Highlights the principle that sin will eventually be exposed, reinforcing the account of Achan's hidden sin being uncovered.

Proverbs 28:13
Discusses the importance of confessing and renouncing sin to receive mercy, which contrasts with Achan's initial concealment.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7
Paul warns about the impact of sin within a community, similar to how Achan's sin affected all of Israel.