Joshua 7:21 – “When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
Extended Explanation
Joshua 7:21 is Achan’s detailed confession of his sin. Achan describes how he was tempted by the beautiful robe, silver, and gold that he found among the plunder of Jericho. He admits that he coveted these items, took them, and then hid them in his tent. Achan’s actions were not just a personal failing; they were a direct violation of God’s command that everything from Jericho was either to be destroyed or dedicated to God. This verse highlights the progression of sin—from seeing and desiring to taking and hiding. Achan’s confession shows how unchecked desires can lead to actions that have serious consequences for ourselves and those around us.
Historical Context
This verse is part of the story of Israel’s defeat at Ai, which came right after their stunning victory at Jericho. God had specifically commanded that all the plunder from Jericho was either to be destroyed or set apart for Him. However, Achan disobeyed by secretly taking some of the valuables and hiding them in his tent. His actions brought God’s anger upon the whole nation, resulting in Israel’s unexpected loss in battle. This context underscores the communal nature of Israel’s relationship with God—one person’s sin affected the entire community. Achan’s hidden disobedience had public and painful consequences, showing that sin is never a private matter when it comes to our relationship with God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Joshua 7:21 illustrates the dangers of covetousness and the destructive nature of sin. Achan’s story teaches that sin often starts small, with a look or a thought, but it can quickly grow into actions that dishonor God. This verse shows that God takes sin seriously, especially when it involves disobedience to His direct commands. It also highlights that God’s standards are not to be compromised for personal gain. Achan’s sin wasn’t just theft; it was a breach of trust with God and with his fellow Israelites, demonstrating that sin breaks both divine and human relationships.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse captures the confession of Achan with vivid details. The description of the robe, silver, and gold emphasizes the allure of material possessions and how they can draw the heart away from God. Achan’s use of “I saw, I coveted, I took” outlines the progression of his sin in a clear sequence, making it easy for readers to see how one wrong step led to another. The act of hiding the items symbolizes the attempt to conceal sin, which only deepens the wrongdoing. The narrative exposes Achan’s heart, showing that hidden sins are not hidden from God.
Biblical Cross-References
A key cross-reference is James 1:14-15, which says, “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Another relevant passage is 1 Timothy 6:10, which warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Both verses reflect the truth seen in Achan’s story: unchecked desires can lead to actions that have devastating consequences.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 7:21 serves as a reminder of the dangers of letting our desires lead us away from God’s commands. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and guard against coveting what does not belong to them. This verse teaches that sin starts in the heart and grows when we fail to confront it. Achan’s confession shows that no matter how well we think we have hidden our sins, they are never truly concealed from God. It encourages Christians to bring their struggles into the open, confess, and turn back to God before sin leads to further damage.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse relates to a loving God who desires honesty and integrity from His people. God’s response to Achan’s sin was not just about punishment but about teaching the community the importance of obedience and trust. God’s love is seen in His willingness to confront and correct, guiding His people back to a path that honors Him. God’s call for confession is not about condemnation but about restoration, demonstrating that He wants His people to live in truth and right relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 7:21 connects to Jesus Christ through the themes of temptation, sin, and redemption. Jesus came to address the root of our sinful desires and to offer forgiveness and a way back to God. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Unlike Achan, Jesus overcame temptation and lived in perfect obedience to God. Through Christ, we have the power to resist temptation and the assurance of forgiveness when we fail. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross pays for our sins, offering a path to freedom and reconciliation with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there desires in your life that might be leading you away from God’s commands?
- How does Achan’s story challenge you to confront and confess hidden sins in your own life?
- What steps can you take to guard your heart against covetousness and live in obedience to God’s Word?