Joshua 7:12

This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.

Study Bible

That is why
This phrase serves as a causal connector, indicating a direct consequence of prior actions. In the context of Joshua 7, it refers back to the sin of Achan, who took forbidden items from Jericho, violating God's command. The Hebrew word used here, "עַל־כֵּן" (al-ken), is often used to denote a reason or explanation. It emphasizes the direct link between disobedience and its repercussions, reminding us of the importance of obedience to God's commands.

the Israelites
This term refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. Historically, the Israelites were God's chosen people, set apart to be a holy nation. In this context, it highlights the collective identity and responsibility of the nation. The sin of one man, Achan, affected the entire community, illustrating the interconnectedness of the people of God and the communal nature of sin and its consequences.

cannot stand
The phrase underscores the inability to withstand or prevail. The Hebrew root "קוּם" (qum) means to rise or stand firm. Here, it signifies the Israelites' failure to maintain their position or succeed in battle due to their disobedience. This serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual and moral integrity is essential for strength and victory in the life of faith.

against their enemies
This phrase identifies the opposition faced by the Israelites. Historically, the enemies were the Canaanite nations inhabiting the Promised Land. Spiritually, it represents any force or influence opposing God's people. The inability to stand against enemies due to sin highlights the spiritual principle that disobedience weakens our defenses and leaves us vulnerable to defeat.

They turn their backs
This expression indicates retreat or flight. The Hebrew phrase "פְּנֵיהֶם לִפְנֵי" (penehem lifnei) literally means "their faces before," implying turning away in fear or defeat. It illustrates the shame and dishonor that come from failing to trust and obey God. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin, which leads to fear and retreat rather than courage and victory.

and run
The act of running away signifies panic and lack of confidence. In the biblical narrative, it reflects the Israelites' loss of courage and faith due to their compromised spiritual state. This serves as a metaphor for the spiritual life, where sin causes us to flee from challenges rather than face them with God's strength.

because they have been set apart
The concept of being "set apart" is central to the identity of the Israelites. The Hebrew word "חֵרֶם" (cherem) refers to something devoted or consecrated, often implying destruction if misused. Here, it indicates that the Israelites were meant to be holy and distinct, dedicated to God's purposes. Their failure to maintain this holiness through obedience resulted in their inability to stand firm.

to destruction
This phrase conveys the idea of being devoted to ruin or annihilation. In the context of Joshua 7, it refers to the consequences of violating God's command regarding the devoted things. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַד" (shamad) means to destroy or exterminate. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and restoration to avoid spiritual destruction.

I will no longer be with you
This is a divine declaration of withdrawal of presence and favor. God's presence was the source of Israel's strength and success. The conditional nature of God's presence, based on obedience, is a recurring theme in Scripture. It underscores the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God through faithfulness and obedience.

unless you remove
This phrase introduces a condition for the restoration of God's favor. The Hebrew word "הָסִיר" (hasir) means to take away or remove. It implies the need for decisive action to address sin. This highlights the biblical principle of repentance, which involves turning away from sin and removing anything that hinders our relationship with God.

from among you
This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of sin and its consequences. The sin of Achan affected the entire community, illustrating the need for corporate responsibility and accountability. It serves as a reminder that the health and holiness of the community of faith depend on the integrity of each member.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are experiencing defeat due to disobedience.

3. Achan
The individual whose sin of taking devoted things led to Israel's defeat.

4. Ai
The city where the Israelites faced defeat due to Achan's sin.

5. The devoted things
Items that were supposed to be destroyed or dedicated to God, but were taken by Achan.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God's commands can lead to defeat and separation from His presence. Just as Israel could not stand against their enemies, we too can face spiritual defeat when we harbor sin.

The Importance of Holiness
God calls His people to be set apart and holy. The Israelites were set apart for destruction because of sin, reminding us of the need to live lives that honor God.

Corporate Responsibility
Achan's sin affected the entire community, illustrating how individual actions can impact the larger body of believers. We must be mindful of how our actions affect others.

Repentance and Restoration
God provides a path to restoration through repentance. Removing the devoted things was necessary for Israel to regain God's favor, just as we must confess and turn from sin.

God's Presence and Victory
Victory is assured when God is with us. Ensuring His presence requires obedience and faithfulness to His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Achan and the defeat at Ai illustrate the impact of individual sin on a community? Can you think of a modern example where this principle applies?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not harboring "devoted things" in our lives that separate us from God?

3. How does the concept of corporate responsibility in Joshua 7 challenge our understanding of personal and communal faith?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced defeat or setback. How might disobedience or unconfessed sin have played a role, and what steps did you take to seek restoration?

5. How can the lessons from Joshua 7:12 be applied to strengthen the unity and holiness of your local church community? What practical steps can be taken to address sin and promote accountability?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:26
This verse warns against bringing any detestable thing into your house, which parallels the sin of Achan in taking the devoted things.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Samuel's rebuke of Saul for disobedience highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice, similar to the lesson learned in Joshua 7.

Psalm 66:18
This verse speaks to the impact of sin on one's relationship with God, echoing the separation experienced by Israel due to Achan's sin.

Hebrews 12:1
Encourages believers to lay aside every weight and sin, akin to the need for Israel to remove the devoted things to regain God's favor.