Joshua 7:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 7:21
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.
Chapter Context
Joshua 7 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, hope, obedience. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 7:21
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.
Analysis
Achan details his sin step by step: 'When I saw...I coveted...and took them.' This progression—see, covet, take—maps the psychology of temptation. Seeing isn't sin, but lingering gaze leads to covetous desire (chamad, חָמַד—to desire, take pleasure in), which produces action (taking). This mirrors Eve's temptation: 'the woman saw...good...pleasant...desired...took' (Genesis 3:6). The pattern recurs: desire conceives and brings forth sin (James 1:14-15). The items: 'a goodly Babylonish garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold.' The garment (adderet shinar, אַדֶּרֶת שִׁנְעָר—literally, 'mantle of Shinar') was valuable imported luxury from Mesopotamia. The silver (about 5 pounds) and gold wedge (50 shekels, about 1.25 pounds) represented significant wealth. But more significant than monetary value: these were cherem—devoted to God, forbidden for personal use. His confession 'they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent' reveals premeditation—he buried them, concealing the theft. The location 'in the midst of my tent' shows the irony: hidden from humans but fully visible to God. The 'silver under it' suggests careful concealment—first the treasure, then the garment on top as further cover.
Historical Context
Babylonian (Shinar) garments were prized in the ancient world for their quality and craftsmanship. Such luxury items were rare in newly-arrived Israel, making them especially tempting. Two hundred shekels of silver represented significant wealth—roughly equivalent to several months' wages for a laborer. The gold wedge (literally 'tongue of gold' due to shape) would have been portable wealth. Archaeological excavations of ancient Israelite tents show that burying valuables in tent floors was common practice for security. Achan's theft violated explicit commands: all silver and gold were consecrated to the LORD's treasury (Joshua 6:19), and the city's goods were devoted to destruction. His sin combined theft (taking what belonged to God), covetousness (desiring forbidden items), and deception (hiding the evidence). The ancient world had limited privacy—tents were communal spaces. Yet Achan managed to hide his theft, suggesting either his family's complicity or remarkable secretiveness. The progression from seeing to coveting to taking illustrates why Israel's law included thoughtcrime (Exodus 20:17—'thou shalt not covet')—internal desire leads to external action.
Reflection
- How does understanding the progression (see-covet-take) help you recognize and resist temptation earlier?
- What treasures or possessions do you 'hide in your tent' while assuming God doesn't see?
- How does covetousness (desiring what God forbids) undermine trust in His provision and wisdom?
Cross-References
- Good: Genesis 3:6
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 7:25, Psalms 119:37, Luke 12:15, James 1:15, 2 Peter 2:15