In biblical terminology, "The Devoted Things" refers to items or possessions that are set apart for destruction or consecrated to the Lord, often as a result of divine command. The concept is primarily found in the Old Testament and is closely associated with the Hebrew term "herem," which signifies something devoted or banned, often implying total destruction or irrevocable dedication to God.

Biblical References and Context

1. Joshua and the Conquest of Canaan: The most prominent example of devoted things is found in the Book of Joshua. As the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God commanded them to devote certain cities and their contents to destruction. In Joshua 6:17-19 , the city of Jericho is described: "Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the spies we sent. But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise, you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble upon it."

2. Achan’s Sin: The narrative of Achan in Joshua 7 illustrates the severe consequences of violating the command concerning devoted things. Achan took some of the devoted items from Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai. Joshua 7:11 states, "Israel has sinned; they have violated My covenant that I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, lied, and put them with their own possessions." This act of disobedience resulted in Achan and his family being stoned and burned, emphasizing the seriousness of the command.

3. Theological Significance: The devoted things underscore the holiness and sovereignty of God. By setting apart certain items for destruction, God demonstrated His authority over all creation and His demand for purity among His people. The Israelites were to be distinct from the surrounding nations, and the devoted things served as a tangible reminder of their covenant relationship with God.

4. Moral and Ethical Implications: The concept of devoted things also carries moral and ethical implications. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of sin. The narrative of Achan serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of covetousness and the communal impact of individual sin.

5. Other Instances: The principle of devoted things is not limited to the conquest of Canaan. In Leviticus 27:28-29 , the law states, "But nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a person, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. No person set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death." This passage indicates that the concept of devotion extends beyond warfare to include personal vows and dedications.

6. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets also addressed the issue of devoted things. In Malachi 3:8-9 , the prophet warns against robbing God, which can be understood as failing to give God what is rightfully His, including tithes and offerings that are devoted to Him: "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me."

In summary, the devoted things in the Bible serve as a powerful symbol of God's holiness, the necessity of obedience, and the serious nature of sin. They remind believers of the importance of dedicating their lives and possessions to God, recognizing His ultimate authority and the call to live in accordance with His will.