Joshua 7:1-13 ▼

1 The Israelites, however (he wrestles with God), acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction {cherem}. Achan (troubler) son of Carmi (my vineyard), the son of Zabdi (Zimri), the son of Zerah (rising), of the tribe of Judah (praised), took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD {YHWH} burned against the Israelites.

2 Meanwhile, Joshua (YHWH saves) sent men from Jericho (city of palms) to Ai (heap of ruins), which is near Beth-aven (house of wickedness) to the east of Bethel (house of God), and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.

3 On returning to Joshua (YHWH saves), they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai (heap of ruins). Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.”

4 So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai (heap of ruins).

5 And the men of Ai (heap of ruins) struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries (as far as Shebarim) and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

6 Then Joshua (YHWH saves) tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD {YHWH} until evening, as did the elders of Israel (he wrestles with God); and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.

7 “O, Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH},” Joshua (YHWH saves) said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan (flowing down) to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites (sayers) to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!

8 O Lord {Adonai}, what can I say, now that Israel (he wrestles with God) has turned its back and run from its enemies?

9 When the Canaanites (merchants) and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?”

10 But the LORD {YHWH} said to Joshua (YHWH saves), “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face?

11 Israel (he wrestles with God) has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions.

12 This is why the Israelites (God prevails) 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.

13 Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God {YHWH Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you⁺ remove them.