What does Joshua 7:21 mean?
"When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it." - Joshua 7:21
Joshua 7:21 (KJV) states, "When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it."
This verse is part of the broader narrative in the book of Joshua, which details the conquest and division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel. This particular passage comes after the Israelites have successfully defeated the city of Jericho. Following this victory, the Israelites were commanded by God to destroy all the spoils of the city and not to take anything for themselves. However, Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, went against God's command and took a Babylonish garment, silver, and gold, hiding them in his tent.
This verse highlights the theme of disobedience and the consequences of sin. Achan's actions were not only a violation of God's explicit command, but they also had significant repercussions for the entire community. As a result of Achan's sin, the Israelites suffered a devastating defeat in their next battle at the city of Ai. This serves as a powerful reminder of the far-reaching impact of individual sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands.
The context of this verse is also crucial in understanding its significance. The Israelites had just experienced a miraculous victory at Jericho, where the walls of the city had crumbled at the sound of their trumpets and shouts. This was a clear demonstration of God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to the Israelites. However, Achan's disobedience threatened to undermine the covenant relationship between God and his people, as it brought about divine judgment and anger.
Symbolically, Achan's actions represent the allure of material possessions and the human tendency towards greed and selfishness. The Babylonish garment, silver, and gold that Achan took symbolize the fleeting pleasures and temptations of the world that can lead individuals astray from their faith and devotion to God. Achan's decision to hide these stolen items in the earth reflects the futility of trying to conceal sin and the ultimately inevitable exposure and accountability before God.
Furthermore, Achan's sin serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive consequences of disobedience and the importance of integrity and righteousness. It underscores the principle that no one can hide their sins from God and that eventually, they will be brought to light and require repentance and atonement.
In conclusion, Joshua 7:21 from the King James Version conveys profound themes of obedience, sin, and divine judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commands and the need for genuine repentance and accountability. The narrative of Achan's disobedience and its repercussions holds timeless lessons for individuals and communities about the importance of faithfulness and integrity in their relationship with God. It also emphasizes the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness and justice over human transgression.
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Joshua 7:21 Artwork
Joshua 7:21 - "When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it."
"When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it." - Joshua 7:21
Joshua 21:7 - "The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities."
Joshua 24:21 - "And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 10:21 - "And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel."
Joshua 21:21 - "For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,"
Joshua 8:21 - "And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and slew the men of Ai."
"The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities." - Joshua 21:7
Joshua 12:21 - "The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;"
Joshua 21:14 - "And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:15 - "And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,"
"And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:21
Joshua 11:21 - "¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities."
Joshua 21:1 - "Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;"
Joshua 7:16 - "¶ So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:"
Joshua 19:21 - "And Remeth, and En-gannim, and En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez;"
Joshua 7:22 - "¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it."
Joshua 21:31 - "Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:35 - "Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:37 - "Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 7:10 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?"
Joshua 10:7 - "So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour."
Joshua 21:18 - "Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 1:7-9
Joshua 21:22 - "And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 21:28 - "And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:30 - "And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:17 - "And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,"
Joshua 21:19 - "All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs."
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."