Analysis of Joshua 7

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Introduction
Chapter 7 of Joshua deals with the sin in Canaan. Even though the people had crossed the Jordan, they were still prone to sin. We have one person’s sin who affects all of Israel. The sin of Achan, who is referred to as “Achar” the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the accursed (1 Chronicles 2:7). (1) This sin caused Israel to be defeated in Ai as well as caused Joshua humiliation and prays of the sad disaster to God.
When Joshua cried out to God, God gave him directions on how to put away the sin of guilt amongst them. The discovery, trail, conviction, condemnation and execution of Achan gave Israel peace again. (2) This story appears as the laws so Canaan itself, “made nothing perfect,” the perfection both of holiness and peace to God’s Israel is to be expected in the heavenly Canaan only.
Literary Analysis in Joshua 7
This passage was authored by Joshua who was the leader of the Israelites. He played a big part in this chapter as well as Achan, the son of Carmi and a soldier in the Israelite army. Joshua addresses two connected stories in this passage, the defeat of Ai and the sin of Achan. Their names signify “he troubles” (1 Chronicles2: 7).
It opens up with a small but ominous word, “but” which contrast this chapter with the Chapter 6. This little conjunction of contrast is designed to explain an important lesson; victory is always by the threat of defeat. One man, Achan, committed a trespass by hiding treasures which had been dedicated to God by the ban (Joshua 6:19). Even though this trespass was the act of one man, all of Israel shared the penalty. We have to remember Israel was a nation in a covenant with God and was treated by Him as a whole. The sin of Achan defiled the others as...

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...st witness to the world and who God would give the Savior (Exodus 19:4-6). Therefore, God had to protect the welfare and purpose of the majority by dealing with sin in such a way that it would streak fear into the hearts of the people and make them realize just how serious sin was.
Conclusion
Joshua 7 teaches us that God want us to be honest about our sins and confess them to Him. Psalm 28:13 states, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but who so confesseth and for saken them shall have mercy.” We may think we do not have to suffer the consequences for sinning. When we disobey God’s command, we bring ourselves and others judgment of God.

Bibliography
Church, Rev. Leslie F; His, F. R. Matthew Henry’s Commentary. Zondervan (1961).
(2) Ibid
(3) Ibid
The Agony of Defeat, Bible.org, httpp://bible.org (accessed April 30, 2014).

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