Joshua 7:22
New International Version
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath.

New Living Translation
So Joshua sent some men to make a search. They ran to the tent and found the stolen goods hidden there, just as Achan had said, with the silver buried beneath the rest.

English Standard Version
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was hidden in his tent with the silver underneath.

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

Berean Literal Bible
And Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was hidden in his tent, and the silver under it.

King James Bible
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.

New King James Version
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver under it.

New American Standard Bible
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was hidden in his tent with the silver underneath it.

NASB 1995
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was concealed in his tent with the silver underneath it.

NASB 1977
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was concealed in his tent with the silver underneath it.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was concealed in his tent with the silver underneath it.

Amplified Bible
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and they saw the stolen objects hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath.

Berean Annotated Bible
So Joshua (YHWH saves) sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath.

Christian Standard Bible
So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there was the cloak, concealed in his tent, with the silver underneath.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there was the cloak, concealed in his tent, with the money underneath.

American Standard Version
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.

English Revised Version
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent. The loot was buried inside with the silver beneath it.

Good News Translation
So Joshua sent some men, who ran to the tent and found that the condemned things really were buried there, with the silver at the bottom.

International Standard Version
So Joshua sent some messengers, who ran to the tent. And there it was, hidden in the tent with the silver underneath.

NET Bible
Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent. The things were hidden right in his tent, with the silver underneath.

New Heart English Bible
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent. Look, it was hidden in his tent, with the silver under it.

Webster's Bible Translation
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath.

World English Bible
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent. Behold, it was hidden in his tent, with the silver under it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joshua sends messengers, and they run to the tent, and behold, it is hidden in his tent, and the silver [is] under it;

Berean Literal Bible
And Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was hidden in his tent, and the silver under it.

Young's Literal Translation
And Joshua sendeth messengers, and they run unto the tent, and lo, it is hidden in his tent, and the silver under it;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joshua will send messengers, and they will run to the tent, and behold, the hiding in his tent, and the silver under it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Josue therefore sent ministers: who running to his tent, found all hidden in the same place, together with the silver.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, Joshua sent ministers, who, running to his tent, discovered everything hidden in the same place, together with the silver.

New American Bible
Joshua sent messengers and they ran to the tent and there they were, hidden in the tent, with the silver underneath.

New Revised Standard Version
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden in his tent with the silver underneath.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to his tent, and, behold, it was hidden in his tent, and the silver under it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yeshua sent men and they ran to his tent, and they saw those things buried in his tent and the silver from beneath them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent into the camp; and these things were hidden in his tent, and the silver under them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sin of Achan
21When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” 22So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. 23They took the things from inside the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and spread them out before the LORD.…

Cross References
So Joshua sent messengers

Genesis 32:3-6
Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” …

Judges 11:12-13
Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?” / The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, “When Israel came up out of Egypt, they seized my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and all the way to the Jordan. Now, therefore, restore it peaceably.”

2 Kings 1:2-4
Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers and instructed them: “Go inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I will recover from this injury.” / But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ / Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed.
who ran to the tent,

Exodus 33:7-11
Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it at a distance outside the camp. He called it the Tent of Meeting, and anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. / Then, whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand at the entrances to their own tents and watch Moses until he entered the tent. / As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. …

2 Samuel 7:6-7
For I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt until this day, but I have moved about with a tent as My dwelling. / In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked any of the leaders I appointed to shepherd My people Israel, ‘Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?’

Hebrews 9:2-8
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, / containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. …
and there it all was,

Luke 12:2-3
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. / What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
hidden in his tent,

Genesis 31:33-35
So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent, and then the tents of the two maidservants, but he found nothing. Then he left Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. / Now Rachel had taken Laban’s household idols, put them in the saddlebag of her camel, and was sitting on them. And Laban searched everything in the tent but found nothing. / Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched but could not find the household idols.

Deuteronomy 13:14-15
then you must inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly. And if it is established with certainty that this abomination has been committed among you, / you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.

Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
with the silver underneath.

Genesis 44:1-2
Then Joseph instructed his steward: “Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each one’s silver in the mouth of his sack. / Put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.” So the steward did as Joseph had instructed.

2 Kings 5:24-27
When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the gifts from the servants and stored them in the house. Then he dismissed the men, and they departed. / When Gehazi went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Gehazi, where have you been?” “Your servant did not go anywhere,” he replied. / But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? …

Deuteronomy 7:25-26
You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. / And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction.
Numbers 32:23
But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out.


Treasury of Scripture

So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.

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Joshua 7
1. The Israelites are smitten at Ai
6. Joshua's complaint
10. God instructs him what to do
16. Achan is taken by the lot
19. His confession
24. He and all he had are destroyed in the valley of Achor












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 and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 7:22?

2. How does Joshua 7:22 demonstrate the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands?

3. What can we learn about accountability from Joshua's actions in Joshua 7:22?

4. How does Joshua 7:22 connect with the theme of sin's impact in Romans 6:23?

5. How can we apply the principle of thorough investigation in our spiritual lives?

6. What steps can we take to ensure transparency and honesty in our communities?

7. How does Joshua 7:22 demonstrate God's justice in dealing with sin among His people?

8. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Joshua 7:22?

9. How does the story in Joshua 7:22 reflect on personal accountability before God?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 7?

11. Who was Achan in the Bible?

12. Where is the historical or archaeological evidence of this altar mentioned in Joshua 22:10, considering its significance to the nation's unity?

13. Why does Joshua 22:12 describe such a swift and violent response if the tribes' intentions were innocent, yet no physical confrontation ultimately ensued?

14. How does Joshua 22 align with other passages that mandate a single place of worship (e.g., Deuteronomy 12), and why is there no mention of God's direct intervention here?
What Does Joshua 7:22 Mean
So Joshua sent messengers

– Joshua acts immediately on God’s revelation (Joshua 7:14-18).

– His swift response models decisive, obedient leadership like that seen in Moses at Exodus 32:25-27.

Deuteronomy 13:14 shows that Israel’s leaders were to “inquire, investigate, and interrogate thoroughly” when sin threatened the camp. Joshua fulfills that duty without hesitation.


who ran to the tent

– The messengers’ run underscores urgency; sin cannot be ignored (Psalm 119:60).

– Physical haste mirrors spiritual zeal, recalling David who “ran quickly toward the battle line” (1 Samuel 17:48).

James 4:17 reminds believers that delayed obedience is itself disobedience.


and there it all was

– The discovery confirms God’s word (Joshua 7:11); nothing He exposes is uncertain (Hebrews 4:13).

Numbers 32:23—“be sure your sin will find you out”—is literally fulfilled.

– The scene vindicates divine justice and silences any doubt about Achan’s guilt.


hidden in his tent

– Achan thought fabric walls could conceal rebellion, yet Luke 8:17 assures, “Nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed.”

– Secret sin always affects more than the sinner; Israel’s defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:5) proves the communal fallout.

Job 24:15 illustrates the self-deception of hiding sin: “The eye of the adulterer watches for dusk; he thinks, ‘No eye will see me.’”


with the silver underneath

– The silver, buried deepest, betrays heart-level covetousness (1 Timothy 6:10).

Joshua 6:19 had already assigned all silver to the LORD’s treasury; stealing it was direct theft from God (Malachi 3:8).

– The order of concealment—garment on top, gold next, silver beneath—shows calculated planning, echoing Proverbs 10:9: “He who perverts his ways will be found out.”


summary

Joshua 7:22 demonstrates that God’s warnings are literal and His justice precise. Joshua’s prompt investigation, the messengers’ haste, the unmistakable evidence, the futile hiding place, and the buried silver together teach that no sin escapes the Lord’s eye, yet obedient leadership and swift repentance can protect the community from further harm.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers
מַלְאָכִ֔ים (mal·’ā·ḵîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

who ran
וַיָּרֻ֖צוּ (way·yā·ru·ṣū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7323: To run

to the tent,
הָאֹ֑הֱלָה (hā·’ō·hĕ·lāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 168: A tent

and there was [the cloak],
וְהִנֵּ֧ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

hidden
טְמוּנָ֛ה (ṭə·mū·nāh)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular
Strong's 2934: To hide, conceal

in his tent,
בְּאָהֳל֖וֹ (bə·’ā·ho·lōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 168: A tent

with the silver
וְהַכֶּ֥סֶף (wə·hak·ke·sep̄)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

underneath.
תַּחְתֶּֽיהָ׃ (taḥ·te·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of


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OT History: Joshua 7:22 So Joshua sent messengers and they ran (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 7:21
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