Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.
God's command demands corporate sanctification before confronting hidden sin. The verb 'sanctify' (qadash, קָדַשׁ) appears twice—Joshua must sanctify the people, and they must sanctify themselves. Qadash means to set apart, purify, or consecrate for holy purposes, involving ritual washing and moral preparation (compare Exodus 19:10-14). The phrase 'against tomorrow' (lemachar, לְמָחָר) creates urgency—immediate preparation for divine encounter. God's declaration 'There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee' (cherem beqirbcha, חֵרֶם בְּקִרְבְּךָ) reveals that the holy community harbors what must be destroyed. The covenant people cannot coexist with cherem—devoted things must be removed or the entire community becomes devoted to destruction. The statement 'thou canst not stand before thine enemies' (lo tukhal laqum, לֹא תוּכַל לָקוּם) explains the practical consequence: sin neutralizes divine power and guarantees defeat. The condition 'until ye take away' (ad hasirkhem, עַד הֲסִרְכֶם) shows judgment's purpose isn't vindictive but redemptive—remove sin and blessing returns. This establishes that God's holiness and power require His people's holiness; unconfessed sin disrupts covenant relationship and divine presence.
Historical Context
The sanctification process involved ceremonial washing, abstaining from sexual relations, and spiritual preparation to encounter God's holiness (compare Exodus 19:10-15). Israel had to purify themselves before God would reveal and judge the guilty party. This demonstrates that approaching God—even in judgment contexts—requires reverent preparation. The next day, God revealed Achan through lot-casting that narrowed from tribe (Judah) to clan (Zerahites) to family (Zabdi's house) to individual (Achan), giving multiple opportunities for confession (Joshua 7:14-18). Ancient Israelite religious life centered on maintaining ritual and moral purity, understanding that God's presence among them required holiness. The tabernacle's presence meant Israel lived in constant proximity to divine holiness, making sin's contamination immediately consequential. The phrase 'thou canst not stand before thine enemies' reversed Joshua 1:5's promise that no enemy could stand before Israel. Sin's presence voided covenant promises, turning divine protection into judgment. This principle recurs throughout Israel's history: obedience brings victory (Judges 1-2), disobedience brings defeat (Judges 2:11-15; 1 Samuel 4).
Questions for Reflection
What areas of your life need sanctification before God can work powerfully through you?
How does sin in your life or church neutralize God's power and blessing?
What 'accursed things' must be removed from your midst before experiencing spiritual victory?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's command demands corporate sanctification before confronting hidden sin. The verb 'sanctify' (qadash, קָדַשׁ) appears twice—Joshua must sanctify the people, and they must sanctify themselves. Qadash means to set apart, purify, or consecrate for holy purposes, involving ritual washing and moral preparation (compare Exodus 19:10-14). The phrase 'against tomorrow' (lemachar, לְמָחָר) creates urgency—immediate preparation for divine encounter. God's declaration 'There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee' (cherem beqirbcha, חֵרֶם בְּקִרְבְּךָ) reveals that the holy community harbors what must be destroyed. The covenant people cannot coexist with cherem—devoted things must be removed or the entire community becomes devoted to destruction. The statement 'thou canst not stand before thine enemies' (lo tukhal laqum, לֹא תוּכַל לָקוּם) explains the practical consequence: sin neutralizes divine power and guarantees defeat. The condition 'until ye take away' (ad hasirkhem, עַד הֲסִרְכֶם) shows judgment's purpose isn't vindictive but redemptive—remove sin and blessing returns. This establishes that God's holiness and power require His people's holiness; unconfessed sin disrupts covenant relationship and divine presence.