Joshua 6:18

But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it.

Study Bible

But keep away
The phrase "keep away" is a directive that implies a conscious and deliberate action to avoid something. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, keep, or observe. This is not a passive avoidance but an active guarding against temptation. The Israelites are being instructed to exercise vigilance and self-control, which is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the avoidance of sin.

from the devoted things
The "devoted things" refers to items that were consecrated to the Lord, often through destruction. The Hebrew term "חֵרֶם" (cherem) indicates something that is banned or set apart for God, often through complete destruction. In the context of ancient warfare, these were items that were to be destroyed as an offering to God, symbolizing the total surrender of the spoils of war to divine authority. This concept underscores the holiness of God and the requirement for His people to respect what is set apart for Him.

so that you will not bring about your own destruction
This phrase serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience. The Hebrew word for "destruction" here is "חָרַם" (charam), which is closely related to "cherem," indicating a complete and utter destruction. The warning is clear: taking what is devoted to God leads to personal ruin. This reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to death and destruction, a theme that is consistent throughout Scripture.

by taking any of them
The act of "taking" implies an intentional decision to seize or claim something for oneself. The Hebrew root "לָקַח" (laqach) means to take, grasp, or capture. This action is a direct violation of God's command and represents a breach of trust and covenant with God. It highlights the human tendency to covet and the need for spiritual discipline to resist such temptations.

Otherwise, you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction
The phrase "make the camp of Israel liable to destruction" indicates that the sin of one can affect the entire community. The Hebrew word "עָכַר" (akar) means to trouble or bring disaster. This communal aspect of sin reflects the interconnectedness of God's people and the corporate responsibility they bear. It serves as a reminder that individual actions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the sinner but the entire community of believers.

and bring trouble upon it
The word "trouble" in Hebrew is "עָכָר" (akar), which is the same root used earlier for "liable to destruction." This repetition emphasizes the severity of the consequences of disobedience. The trouble brought upon the community is not just physical or material but spiritual, disrupting the peace and favor of God upon His people. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of holiness and obedience in maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land.

2. Jericho
The first city in the Promised Land that the Israelites were commanded to conquer.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who are being led into the Promised Land.

4. The Ban (Herem)
The command to devote certain things to destruction, often as an act of divine judgment.

5. The Camp of Israel
The community of Israelites, which could be affected by individual disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Obedience
God’s commands are not to be taken lightly. Disobedience can have severe consequences not just for the individual but for the community.

The Concept of Holiness
The Israelites were called to be set apart. This required them to avoid things that were devoted to destruction, symbolizing the need for purity and holiness in our lives.

Corporate Responsibility
Individual actions can impact the entire community. This teaches us the importance of accountability and integrity within the body of Christ.

Avoiding Temptation
Just as the Israelites were warned to keep away from the accursed things, believers today must be vigilant in avoiding sin and temptation.

Trust in God’s Provision
The command to destroy rather than take spoils was a test of faith, trusting that God would provide for their needs without relying on the plunder of Jericho.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command to avoid the accursed things teach us about the nature of sin and its impact on our lives and communities?

2. How can we apply the principle of being "set apart" in our daily lives, especially in a culture that often contradicts biblical values?

3. In what ways does the account of Achan (Joshua 7) illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

4. How can we ensure that our actions do not negatively impact our church community or family?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's provision rather than relying on what seemed immediately beneficial. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 27:28-29
Discusses the concept of things devoted to the Lord, which cannot be redeemed or sold.

Deuteronomy 7:25-26
Warns against bringing abominable things into one's house, lest they become accursed like them.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice, relating to Saul's failure to fully carry out God's command.

Acts 5:1-11
The account of Ananias and Sapphira, who kept back part of the proceeds, showing the seriousness of deceit and disobedience.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Encourages believers to separate themselves from ungodliness, echoing the call to holiness.