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Book of Joshua - Chapter 7 - Verse 18

7:18
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.

Meaning

When we look at the verse "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," we see a significant event in the book of Joshua that highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of accountability within the community. Achan, from the tribe of Judah, was found to have disobeyed God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho after its destruction. This act of disobedience not only affected Achan individually but also had repercussions for the entire community. The fact that Achan was identified among his household members shows that our actions do not only impact ourselves but also those around us. It serves as a reminder that we are accountable not only to God but also to our community for our actions. This verse underscores the importance of honesty, integrity, and obedience in maintaining the collective welfare of the group.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse in Joshua 7:18, it is crucial to note that Achan's act of disobedience had severe consequences for not only himself but also his entire family. By bringing his household "man by man," Achan's sin was not isolated to just him but impacted those closest to him as well. This underscores the concept of corporate responsibility within the family unit within the context of ancient Hebrew society. Achan's lineage is also highlighted in the verse, tracing his heritage back to Zerah of the tribe of Judah. This genealogy serves as a reminder of the importance of familial ties and the lasting impact of our ancestors' actions on future generations.

American Standard Version

and he brought near 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.
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