But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
This verse marks a tragic turning point from Jericho's victory to Ai's defeat. The phrase 'committed a trespass' (maal maal, מַעַל מַעַל) uses intensified language—maal means treacherous violation of sacred trust. The 'accursed thing' (cherem, חֵרֶם) refers to items devoted to God or destruction that humans must not touch (Joshua 6:17-19). Achan's taking what belonged to God was sacrilege and theft combined. The genealogy— 'son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of Judah'—establishes historical precision while showing sin affects entire families and tribes. The phrase 'the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel' (vayichar-af Yahweh bivnei Yisrael, וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה בִּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) reveals corporate accountability—one man's sin brought divine wrath on the entire nation. This demonstrates covenant solidarity: Israel wasn't merely individuals but a corporate body where one member's sin affected all. Reformed theology recognizes both individual responsibility (Achan sinned) and corporate consequences (Israel suffered). This pattern continues in the church—'a little leaven leavens the whole lump' (1 Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 5:9).
Historical Context
This sin occurred immediately after Jericho's conquest, Israel's first major victory in Canaan. The cherem (devoted ban) required total destruction of Jericho's population and dedication of precious metals to God's treasury (Joshua 6:17-19). Achan violated this command by taking a Babylonian garment, 200 shekels of silver, and a gold wedge, hiding them under his tent (7:21). Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically included plunder distribution to victorious soldiers, making God's cherem command unusual and testing Israel's obedience. Achan's sin brought immediate consequences: defeat at Ai with 36 Israelites killed (7:4-5), devastating morale and raising existential questions about God's presence. The corporate nature of guilt reflects ancient Near Eastern and Semitic concepts of family/tribal solidarity where one member's actions affected the entire group. This wasn't arbitrary collective punishment but recognition of social reality: sin's consequences spread beyond individuals. Archaeological evidence suggests Jericho's destruction was thorough and complete, confirming Joshua's account of total conquest and devoted destruction.
Questions for Reflection
What 'accursed things'—sins you're hiding or tolerating—might be preventing spiritual victory in your life or church?
How does the principle of corporate accountability challenge individualistic Western Christianity that ignores communal responsibility?
What does God's anger against Israel despite one man's sin teach about the seriousness of hidden sin within covenant communities?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse marks a tragic turning point from Jericho's victory to Ai's defeat. The phrase 'committed a trespass' (maal maal, מַעַל מַעַל) uses intensified language—maal means treacherous violation of sacred trust. The 'accursed thing' (cherem, חֵרֶם) refers to items devoted to God or destruction that humans must not touch (Joshua 6:17-19). Achan's taking what belonged to God was sacrilege and theft combined. The genealogy— 'son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of Judah'—establishes historical precision while showing sin affects entire families and tribes. The phrase 'the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel' (vayichar-af Yahweh bivnei Yisrael, וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה בִּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) reveals corporate accountability—one man's sin brought divine wrath on the entire nation. This demonstrates covenant solidarity: Israel wasn't merely individuals but a corporate body where one member's sin affected all. Reformed theology recognizes both individual responsibility (Achan sinned) and corporate consequences (Israel suffered). This pattern continues in the church—'a little leaven leavens the whole lump' (1 Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 5:9).