Old Testament
Joshua 7:18
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He brought his household forward man by man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, was chosen.
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And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.
What Joshua 7:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the leader Joshua is conducting a process to identify a wrongdoer within the Israelite camp after a defeat in battle. He brings forward each family member one by one, and ultimately, Achan is singled out. Achan is identified as the one who disobeyed God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho. This act of bringing the household forward highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability within the community. Achan's lineage is mentioned to emphasize his identity and the gravity of his actions, as he is from the tribe of Judah, a significant tribe in Israel. This moment sets the stage for the consequences of Achan's actions, which will affect not only him but also his family and the entire nation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the impact of individual choices on the larger community.
How to apply Joshua 7:18 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of accountability in our actions. Just as Achan's sin affected his entire community, our choices can impact those around us. We should strive to live in a way that honors God and supports our community, recognizing that our actions have consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: Defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:1–26)
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Joshua
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Joshua 7:18
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 7:18 mean?
Joshua 7:18 describes how Joshua identifies Achan as the wrongdoer in the Israelite camp after a defeat in battle. It emphasizes the process of accountability and the seriousness of sin within the community.
What is the significance of Achan's lineage in Joshua 7:18?
Achan's lineage is mentioned to highlight his identity and the gravity of his actions, as he is from the tribe of Judah, a prominent tribe in Israel. This detail underscores the impact of his sin on both his family and the nation.
How does Joshua 7:18 relate to accountability?
Joshua 7:18 illustrates accountability by showing how Joshua brings forward each family member to identify the wrongdoer. It serves as a reminder that individual actions can affect the entire community.
What lessons can we learn from Joshua 7:18?
From Joshua 7:18, we learn the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of our choices. It highlights how personal actions can impact not only ourselves but also our families and communities.
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