Joshua 7:22

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

Study Bible

So Joshua sent messengers
In this phrase, we see the leadership and decisiveness of Joshua, the appointed leader of Israel after Moses. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) implies a mission or commission, indicating that Joshua is acting with authority and purpose. This action reflects his obedience to God's commands and his role as a leader who takes initiative to address sin within the community. Historically, this moment is crucial as it demonstrates the seriousness with which the Israelites were to treat God's instructions, especially in the context of the covenant relationship.

who ran to the tent
The urgency of the messengers is captured in the word "ran" (רָץ, rats), suggesting the immediacy and importance of the task. This reflects the gravity of the situation, as the sin of Achan had brought defeat and disgrace upon Israel. The tent, a common dwelling in ancient Near Eastern nomadic culture, symbolizes the personal and private space where the hidden sin was concealed. This act of running underscores the need for swift action in dealing with sin, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture.

and there it was
This phrase marks the discovery of the hidden items, confirming the truth of God's revelation to Joshua. The Hebrew word for "there" (שָׁם, sham) emphasizes the certainty and reality of the situation. It serves as a pivotal moment where hidden sin is brought to light, illustrating the biblical truth that nothing is hidden from God's sight. This moment of revelation is a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for transparency before God.

hidden in his tent
The act of hiding (טָמַן, taman) signifies deceit and the attempt to conceal wrongdoing. In the biblical narrative, hidden sin often leads to broader consequences, affecting not just the individual but the community. The tent, as a personal space, represents the heart of Achan's rebellion against God's command. This serves as a metaphor for the hidden sins in our own lives that must be confessed and dealt with to restore fellowship with God.

with the silver underneath
The specific mention of "silver" (כֶּסֶף, keseph) highlights the material temptation that led to Achan's sin. Silver, a valuable commodity in ancient times, represents the allure of wealth and the material world. The placement "underneath" (תַּחַת, tachat) suggests an attempt to prioritize material gain over spiritual obedience. This detail serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of covetousness and the need to prioritize God's commands over worldly desires. The narrative encourages believers to examine their own lives for hidden idols and to seek God's kingdom first.

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

1. How does Achan's sin and its consequences illustrate the principle found in Numbers 32:23 about sin being exposed?

2. In what ways can hidden sin affect a community today, and how can we apply the lessons from Joshua 7 to prevent this?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to confess a wrongdoing. How did it impact your relationship with God and others?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in maintaining accountability and holiness?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are living in obedience to God's commands, and how can you encourage others to do the same?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 6:18-19
Provides the background command from God to the Israelites to abstain from taking any of the devoted things from Jericho, setting the stage for Achan's transgression.

Numbers 32:23
Highlights the principle that sin will eventually be exposed, reinforcing the account of Achan's hidden sin being uncovered.

Proverbs 28:13
Discusses the importance of confessing and renouncing sin to receive mercy, which contrasts with Achan's initial concealment.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7
Paul warns about the impact of sin within a community, similar to how Achan's sin affected all of Israel.