Joshua 6:18

KJV

And ye, in any wise keep [yourselves] from the accursed thing, lest ye make [yourselves] accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye, in any wise {H7535} keep {H8104} yourselves from the accursed thing {H2764}, lest ye make yourselves accursed {H2763}, when ye take {H3947} of the accursed thing {H2764}, and make {H7760} the camp {H4264} of Israel {H3478} a curse {H2764}, and trouble {H5916} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

So you, keep clear of everything reserved for destruction. If you bring a curse on yourselves by taking anything set aside to be destroyed, you will bring a curse on the whole camp of Isra'el and cause great distress there.

Berean Standard Bible

But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster upon it.

American Standard Version

But as for you, only keep yourselves from the devoted thing, lest when ye have devoted it, ye take of the devoted thing; so would ye make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:18 delivers a profound and urgent warning to the Israelites on the eve of their conquest of Jericho, underscoring the severe and far-reaching consequences of disobedience regarding the spoils of war. This divine command, relayed through Joshua, highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the victory, the sacred nature of the "accursed thing" (cherem), and the critical principle of corporate responsibility, where an individual's transgression could bring devastating judgment upon the entire community. It serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views faithfulness to His commands and the interconnectedness of His people in their covenant walk.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This command is issued by Joshua immediately before the miraculous fall of Jericho, as detailed in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). Following the detailed instructions for the unique siege (marching around the city, the trumpets, the shout), Joshua delivers specific prohibitions regarding the city's spoils. [Joshua 6:17](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17 - Jericho Dedicated to the Lord") explicitly declares Jericho and everything within it (except Rahab and her household) as *cherem*, meaning "devoted" or "set apart" for destruction, not for personal plunder. This verse, [Joshua 6:18](/joshua/6-18 "Joshua 6:18 - Warning Against the Accursed Thing"), elaborates on the dire consequences of violating this *cherem* status, directly foreshadowing the events of [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai") where Achan's disobedience brings defeat and trouble upon Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of *cherem* (חרם) was integral to ancient Near Eastern warfare and Israel's understanding of holy war, or *herem* warfare. It signified that certain cities or peoples, often due to their extreme wickedness (e.g., child sacrifice, idolatry, sexual perversions as described in [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominations of the Nations")), were "devoted" to God for utter destruction. This was not merely a military strategy but an act of divine judgment against the inhabitants and a means of preventing Israel from being corrupted by their idolatrous practices ([Deuteronomy 7:2-6](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2-6 - Do Not Make Covenants with Them")). For Israel, taking *cherem* items for personal gain was an act of sacrilege, theft from God, and a direct challenge to His authority and holiness. It also demonstrated that the victory was solely God's, not a result of Israel's might, thus preventing them from boasting or profiting from a divinely orchestrated triumph.

* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 6:18](/joshua/6-18 "Joshua 6:18 - Warning Against the Accursed Thing") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Obedience and Disobedience** is paramount; God's commands are absolute requirements, and even a single act of disobedience can have catastrophic consequences. Secondly, the theme of **Holiness and Consecration** is evident, as the spoils of Jericho were considered holy to the Lord (or dedicated to destruction), underscoring that the victory belonged to God, and thus, the spoils were His to command. This prevented Israel from profiting from a supernatural victory. Thirdly, the verse highlights **Corporate Responsibility** or solidarity, a fundamental concept in ancient Israelite society where an individual's sin could directly impact the entire community, making the camp "accursed" and bringing "trouble" upon it, as explicitly stated in the verse and tragically demonstrated in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai"). Finally, the explicit warning regarding the **Consequences of Sin** serves as a stark reminder that violating God's commands leads to divine judgment and societal disruption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Accursed thing (Hebrew, _ḥerem_):** This term (חרם) is central to the verse's meaning. It refers to something "devoted," "set apart," or "banned," often for destruction, especially in the context of holy war. It signifies that the item is no longer for common use but is exclusively God's, either for His treasury (e.g., precious metals) or for utter destruction as an act of judgment. To take *ḥerem* for oneself was to usurp God's prerogative and profane what was holy to Him.
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _‘ākar_):** The verb עָכַר (*‘ākar*) means "to trouble," "to disturb," or "to bring disaster upon." Its use here is a deliberate and significant echo, directly relating to the name of Achan (עָכָן, *‘Ākhān*), the individual who famously disobeyed this very command in the following chapter. Achan's actions indeed "troubled" Israel, leading to their defeat at Ai and becoming known as "the troubler of Israel" ([1 Chronicles 2:7](/1_chronicles/2-7 "1 Chronicles 2:7 - Achan, the Troubler of Israel")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye, in any wise keep [yourselves] from the accursed thing":** This is a direct, emphatic command to the entire Israelite community. The phrase "in any wise" (literally "only, surely") underscores the absolute necessity and severity of the prohibition. It demands diligent self-restraint and vigilance against the temptation to plunder, emphasizing personal responsibility within the collective. The "accursed thing" refers to anything designated as *ḥerem* from Jericho.
* **"lest ye make [yourselves] accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing":** This clause reveals the immediate and personal consequence of disobedience. By taking what is *ḥerem*, an individual would themselves become *ḥerem*—devoted to destruction or under God's curse. This is a profound spiritual transformation: the act of theft from God contaminates the perpetrator, bringing them into the same condemned category as the forbidden object.
* **"and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it":** This final clause highlights the devastating corporate impact. An individual's sin does not remain isolated but has ripple effects, bringing the entire community under God's judgment ("make the camp of Israel a curse"). The term "trouble it" (from *‘ākar*) signifies the severe disruption, distress, and divine displeasure that would befall the nation, hindering their progress and jeopardizing their covenant relationship with God. This underscores the principle of corporate solidarity, where the purity and faithfulness of the whole depend on the obedience of each member.

#### Literary Devices
[Joshua 6:18](/joshua/6-18 "Joshua 6:18 - Warning Against the Accursed Thing") employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "accursed thing" (or variations of "curse") appearing multiple times, hammering home the concept of *ḥerem* and its dire implications. This repetition creates a sense of foreboding and emphasizes the gravity of the command. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, directly predicting the events of [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai") where Achan's sin leads to Israel's defeat and trouble. The specific word choice of "trouble" (*‘ākar*) is a deliberate **Pun** or **Wordplay** on Achan's name, subtly hinting at the identity of the future transgressor and the nature of the disaster he would bring. The warning itself functions as a **Conditional Statement**, outlining a clear cause-and-effect relationship: disobedience will inevitably lead to personal and corporate curse and trouble. This stark warning serves as a powerful rhetorical device to impress upon the Israelites the absolute necessity of obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:18 profoundly illustrates God's holiness, His demand for absolute obedience from His covenant people, and the interconnectedness of individual actions with corporate well-being. The concept of *cherem* reveals God's righteous judgment against sin and His commitment to maintaining the purity of His people. It teaches that disobedience, even in seemingly minor acts of greed, can defile not only the individual but also the entire community, bringing divine displeasure and hindering God's purposes. This principle underscores that God's people are a unified body, and sin within any part affects the whole, necessitating communal accountability and confession.

* [Deuteronomy 7:26](/deuteronomy/7-26 "Deuteronomy 7:26 - Do Not Bring an Abominable Thing into Your House")
* [Deuteronomy 13:17](/deuteronomy/13-17 "Deuteronomy 13:17 - Consequences of Taking Devoted Things")
* [Joshua 7:1](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1-26 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences")
* [1 Corinthians 5:6](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6-7 - Leaven of Malice and Wickedness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 6:18 serves as a timeless reminder that God takes our obedience seriously, not just for our individual good but for the health and effectiveness of the entire community of faith. It challenges us to examine our own lives for any "accursed things"—anything that God has forbidden, whether it be ill-gotten gains, unconfessed sin, or unholy compromises—that might be hindering our walk with Him or bringing spiritual "trouble" upon our families or churches. Our personal integrity and faithfulness are not isolated matters; they contribute to the collective spiritual vitality of the body of Christ. This verse calls us to a radical trust in God's provision, resisting the temptation to seek gain through means contrary to His will, and to live lives of holiness, recognizing that our choices have far-reaching implications for those around us and for the advancement of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "accursed things" (forbidden desires, unholy habits, or ill-gotten gains) might I be holding onto that are hindering my spiritual growth or the purity of my community?**
* **How does my personal obedience or disobedience impact the spiritual health and effectiveness of my family, church, or other communities I belong to?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise my integrity for personal gain, rather than trusting in God's provision?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of corporate responsibility and accountability within my faith community?**

### FAQ

**What does "the accursed thing" mean in this context?**

Answer: The "accursed thing" translates the Hebrew word *cherem* (חרם), which refers to something "devoted" or "set apart" to God, often for destruction. In the context of Jericho, it meant that the city and its contents (except for precious metals, which were to go into the Lord's treasury, as per [Joshua 6:19](/joshua/6-19 "Joshua 6:19 - Silver, Gold, Bronze, and Iron for the Lord's Treasury")) were not to be plundered by the Israelites for personal gain. This was an act of divine judgment against the wicked Canaanites and a demonstration that the victory belonged solely to God. Taking the *cherem* was considered a sacrilege, a direct theft from God, and an act that would bring a curse upon the one who took it and, by extension, the entire community. The tragic story of Achan in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai") perfectly illustrates the severe consequences of violating this command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 6:18, with its stark warning against the "accursed thing" and the corporate curse it brings, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem found in Jesus Christ. The curse of *cherem* in the Old Testament, where sin contaminates and brings judgment upon the individual and community, points to the universal curse of sin that afflicts all humanity ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Just as an individual's transgression could make the entire camp "accursed," so too did the sin of Adam bring a curse upon all creation ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")). However, Christ, the true Israelite, became the "accursed thing" for us, bearing the full weight of God's judgment against sin on the cross. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'" He absorbed the curse that was due to us, thereby freeing us from its power and making us righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - He Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, the "trouble" (עָכַר) of sin that plagued humanity has been decisively dealt with, establishing a new covenant community—the Church—whose corporate purity is maintained not by strict adherence to ceremonial laws and the avoidance of physical *cherem*, but by the indwelling Spirit and the cleansing blood of the Lamb, enabling us to live in holiness and unity under His grace ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loved the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 5:21

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Joshua 7:11

Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put [it] even among their own stuff.

Joshua 7:12

Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, [but] turned [their] backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

Joshua 7:1

¶ But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.

Joshua 7:25

And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,