Old Testament
Joshua 7:21
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When I saw among the plunder a beautiful Babylonian robe, 200 shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing 50 shekels, I wanted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.
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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.
What Joshua 7:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Achan confesses to taking forbidden items after the Israelites' victory at Jericho. He describes seeing a beautiful Babylonian robe, silver, and gold among the spoils of war. His desire for these items led him to covet and steal them, hiding them in his tent. This act of disobedience not only affected him but also brought trouble to the entire Israelite community. Achan's story serves as a warning about the dangers of greed and the consequences of sin, emphasizing that individual actions can have far-reaching effects on others. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for accountability within a community. Achan's desire for material wealth ultimately led to his downfall, illustrating how temptation can lead to serious consequences.
How to apply Joshua 7:21 to your life
This verse reminds us to be vigilant against greed and temptation in our lives. We should strive to resist the urge to covet what belongs to others and remain obedient to God's teachings. Accountability within our communities can help us stay on the right path.
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 7:21
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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 7:21 mean?
Joshua 7:21 describes Achan's confession after taking forbidden items from the spoils of war. He admits to coveting a beautiful robe, silver, and gold, which he hid in his tent, illustrating the consequences of greed and disobedience.
What is the significance of Achan's actions in Joshua 7:21?
Achan's actions in Joshua 7:21 highlight the dangers of greed and the impact of individual sin on the community. His desire for material wealth led to trouble for the entire Israelite nation, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.
How does Joshua 7:21 relate to accountability in a community?
Joshua 7:21 illustrates the need for accountability within a community, as Achan's sin affected not just him but all of Israel. This serves as a reminder that individual actions can have significant consequences for the larger group.
What lessons can we learn from Joshua 7:21?
From Joshua 7:21, we learn about the importance of resisting temptation and the dangers of greed. It teaches us to be mindful of our desires and the potential impact of our actions on others.
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