1 Chronicles 2:7
The son of Carmi: Achar, who brought trouble upon Israel by violating the ban on devoted things.
The son of Carmi
This phrase introduces us to the lineage of Carmi, a member of the tribe of Judah. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to establish the historical and covenantal continuity of God's people. The mention of Carmi here is significant as it ties the narrative to the broader account of Israel's journey and the importance of each individual's role within God's plan. The Hebrew root for "Carmi" can be associated with "vineyard" or "garden," symbolizing potential fruitfulness and blessing, which contrasts with the actions of his son.

Achar
Achar is also known as Achan in other biblical texts, such as Joshua 7. The name "Achar" means "trouble" or "troubler," which is fitting given his actions. This name change from Achan to Achar in Chronicles emphasizes the consequence of his sin, marking him as a source of trouble for Israel. The narrative of Achar serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of individual sin on the community, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.

who brought trouble on Israel
This phrase underscores the communal nature of sin and its repercussions. Achar's actions did not only affect him but brought calamity upon the entire nation of Israel. The Hebrew word for "trouble" here is "akar," which conveys a sense of disturbance and disruption. This serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the community of faith and the responsibility each member has to uphold God's covenant.

by violating the ban on devoted things
The "ban" refers to the herem, a command from God to devote certain things to destruction as an act of obedience and consecration. Achar's violation of this ban, by taking items that were meant to be destroyed, was a direct act of disobedience against God's explicit command. This act of taking "devoted things" symbolizes a breach of trust and a failure to honor God's holiness. The historical context of this event, found in Joshua 7, illustrates the seriousness with which God views obedience and the sanctity of His commands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Carmi
A member of the tribe of Judah, listed in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. He is the father of Achar.

2. Achar
Also known as Achan in other translations, he is infamous for his disobedience to God's command during the conquest of Jericho, which brought trouble upon Israel.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, which suffered consequences due to Achar's sin.

4. The Ban on Devoted Things
A divine command given to the Israelites to destroy or dedicate certain items to God during their conquests, particularly in the context of the fall of Jericho.

5. Troubler of Israel
A title given to Achar due to the consequences of his actions, which brought God's judgment upon the nation.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
Achar's account is a stark reminder that disobedience to God's commands can have far-reaching consequences, not just for the individual but for the community as well.

The Importance of Holiness
The ban on devoted things underscores the call for God's people to be set apart and to honor what is sacred.

Corporate Responsibility
Achar's sin affected the entire nation of Israel, highlighting the interconnectedness of the community of believers and the impact of individual actions on the whole.

Repentance and Restoration
While Achar's account ends in judgment, it serves as a call to repentance and the possibility of restoration when we turn back to God.

Guarding Against Temptation
Achar's downfall began with covetousness, reminding us to guard our hearts against the allure of material possessions and to seek contentment in God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of Achar challenge us to consider the impact of our personal sins on our community or church?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are honoring God's commands in our daily lives, particularly in areas where we might be tempted to compromise?

3. How does the concept of "devoted things" apply to our lives today, and what are some modern equivalents that we should be cautious about?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's holiness and justice?

5. How can we support one another in our faith communities to remain accountable and avoid the pitfalls of sin, as seen in Achar's account?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 7
This chapter provides the detailed account of Achan's sin, the subsequent defeat of Israel at Ai, and the eventual judgment upon Achan and his family.

Deuteronomy 7:25-26
These verses outline the command to destroy devoted things, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions.

Proverbs 15:27
This verse speaks to the consequences of greed and dishonest gain, which can be related to Achar's actions.
A Transgressor and TroublerJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 2:7
Achan, the Troubler of IsraelChristian Age1 Chronicles 2:7
Sinners are TroublersR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 2:7
The Troubler of IsraelGeorge Venables.1 Chronicles 2:7
The Human FamilyW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 2:1-55
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abiah, Abigail, Abihail, Abijah, Abinadab, Abishai, Abishur, Achan, Achar, Achsa, Achsah, Ahban, Ahijah, Ahlai, Amasa, Amminadab, Appaim, Aram, Ardon, Asahel, Asher, Ashur, Atarah, Attai, Azariah, Azubah, Bathshua, Benjamin, Bezaleel, Boaz, Bunah, Calcol, Caleb, Carmi, Chelubai, Dan, Dara, Darda, David, Eker, Elasah, Eleasah, Eliab, Elishama, Ephah, Ephlal, Ephratah, Ephrath, Er, Eshtaolites, Eshtaulites, Ethan, Gad, Gazez, Gesham, Geshem, Hamul, Haran, Hareph, Haroeh, Hazi-hammana-hethites, Helez, Heman, Hemath, Hezron, Hur, Ishi, Issachar, Ithrites, Jabez, Jada, Jahdai, Jair, Jamin, Jarha, Jehu, Jekamiah, Jerahmeel, Jerioth, Jesher, Jesse, Jether, Jithrites, Joab, Jonathan, Joseph, Jotham, Kenites, Korah, Levi, Maacah, Maachah, Maaz, Machir, Manahathites, Manahethites, Maon, Menahethites, Mesha, Mishraites, Molid, Moza, Nadab, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nathan, Nethaneel, Netophathites, Obed, Onam, Onan, Oren, Ozem, Pelet, Peleth, Perez, Pharez, Puhites, Puthites, Raddai, Raham, Rechab, Regem, Rekem, Reuben, Salma, Salmon, Segub, Seled, Shaaph, Shallum, Shammai, Sheber, Shelah, Shema, Sheshan, Sheva, Shimea, Shimeathites, Shimma, Shobab, Shobal, Shua, Shumathites, Simeon, Sisamai, Sucathites, Suchathites, Tamar, Tappuah, Tirathites, Tireathites, Tirhanah, Uri, Zabad, Zareathites, Zaza, Zebulun, Zerah, Zereathites, Zeruiah, Zimri, Zorathites, Zoreathites, Zorites, Zur
Places
Aram, Edom, Geshur, Gilead, Hammath, Havvoth-jair, Jabez, Kenath
Topics
Accursed, Achan, Achar, Ban, Carmi, Committed, Cursed, Devoted, Matter, Sons, Taking, Transgressed, Trespass, Trespassed, Trouble, Troubler, Violated, Violating, Wrong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 2:3

     5688   firstborn

Library
Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers.
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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