Joshua 7:19 – “Then Joshua said to Achan, ‘My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.’”
Extended Explanation
In Joshua 7:19, Joshua confronts Achan after God’s process of revealing the sin within the camp. Joshua addresses Achan directly, calling him “my son,” which shows a blend of firmness and compassion. Joshua urges Achan to give glory to God by being honest about his wrongdoing. This is not just about admitting guilt but also about acknowledging God’s authority and righteousness. Joshua’s command, “Do not hide it from me,” emphasizes the need for full confession and transparency. This verse highlights the importance of confessing sin openly, as it is a necessary step toward healing and restoring a right relationship with God and the community.
Historical Context
This confrontation takes place after Israel’s defeat at Ai, a setback caused by Achan’s disobedience when he took items from Jericho that were meant to be destroyed or dedicated to God. God had instructed Joshua to conduct a detailed process to identify the source of the sin, which led to Achan being exposed. The defeat at Ai was a public reminder that sin disrupts God’s favor and protection. In this context, Achan’s confession was not just about personal accountability but was crucial for the spiritual restoration of the entire nation.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Joshua 7:19 teaches us about the importance of confession and the need to confront sin openly before God. This verse shows that giving glory to God includes admitting our wrongs and turning away from them. God desires honesty from His people because it reflects a heart willing to repent and be corrected. Confession is not just about owning up to mistakes; it is about aligning ourselves with God’s truth and acknowledging His standards of holiness. This passage emphasizes that God’s grace begins where honesty and repentance are present.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse captures a powerful moment of accountability. Joshua’s words are direct but also carry a tone of compassion, seen in his use of “my son,” which softens the confrontation without diminishing its seriousness. The call to “give glory to the Lord” serves as a reminder that confession is an act of worship and reverence toward God. The phrase “do not hide it from me” reinforces the theme of transparency and the need for complete honesty in the face of wrongdoing. This verse stands as a pivotal moment where truth is brought into the light.
Biblical Cross-References
A key cross-reference is Psalm 32:5, where David says, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Another relevant passage is 1 John 1:9, which promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Both verses underscore the power of confession and God’s willingness to forgive when we are honest about our sin.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 7:19 serves as a reminder of the importance of confession in our walk with God. It encourages believers to be open and honest about their struggles, knowing that God values transparency. This verse challenges us to confront sin directly, rather than trying to hide it or cover it up. It teaches that confession is not just a difficult duty but an opportunity to glorify God by acknowledging His righteousness and our need for His grace. By confessing, we honor God’s holiness and invite His restoration into our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love through His desire for His people to be honest and restored. God doesn’t expose sin to condemn but to correct and heal. Joshua’s invitation to Achan to confess is an opportunity for Achan to realign with God’s truth and find a path toward redemption. God’s love is evident in His willingness to forgive and restore those who come forward with a repentant heart. This moment of confession is not about punishment alone; it is about giving Achan a chance to respond rightly to God’s call for honesty.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 7:19 connects to Jesus Christ through the theme of confession and forgiveness. Jesus came to deal with the sin that separates us from God, offering Himself as the way to be reconciled. In Luke 15:21, the prodigal son confesses, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you,” and is met with grace and restoration. Similarly, Jesus invites us to come clean about our sins, assuring us of forgiveness and a renewed relationship with God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paves the way for us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is faithful to forgive.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you need to be more honest with God about your sins?
- How does Joshua’s approach to Achan challenge you to handle your own shortcomings and failures?
- What steps can you take today to ensure that your confession is sincere, allowing God’s grace to bring healing and restoration?