Joshua 6:19

KJV

But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, [are] consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But all the silver {H3701}, and gold {H2091}, and vessels {H3627} of brass {H5178} and iron {H1270}, are consecrated {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}: they shall come {H935} into the treasury {H214} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the silver and gold, and all the brass and iron utensils are to be separated out for ADONAI and added to the treasury of ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.”

American Standard Version

But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are holy unto Jehovah: they shall come into the treasury of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 6:19 details a crucial exception to the general command for utter destruction (*cherem*) during the conquest of Jericho, stipulating that precious metals and vessels were to be consecrated to the LORD and deposited into His treasury. This instruction underscored God's ultimate ownership of all spoils, Israel's required obedience, and the setting apart of specific items for sacred use, serving as a profound test of faith and a foundational principle for the nation's relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 6:19 is embedded within the dramatic narrative of the fall of Jericho, Israel's first major conquest in the Promised Land. The preceding verses ([Joshua 6:1-16](/joshua/6-1 "Joshua 6:1-16 - The Siege and Fall of Jericho")) detail the LORD's unique and seemingly unconventional instructions for the city's capture: a seven-day march around the city, culminating in a mighty shout and the collapse of its walls. Central to these instructions was the concept of *cherem* (utter destruction or devotion to God), explicitly stated in [Joshua 6:17](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17 - Jericho Devoted to the LORD"), where Jericho and everything within it, save Rahab and her household, were to be "devoted to the LORD for destruction." Verse 19, however, provides a critical clarification, distinguishing between items to be utterly destroyed and those valuable materials (silver, gold, brass, iron) that were to be consecrated and brought into the LORD's treasury, thereby setting them apart for sacred use rather than common plunder. This distinction highlights God's specific and nuanced commands, setting the stage for the severe consequences of disobedience seen immediately in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Defeat at Ai").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of *cherem* was a unique aspect of ancient Near Eastern warfare, though its application in Israelite theology was distinct. While other cultures might dedicate spoils to their gods, Israel's *cherem* often involved the complete destruction of people, animals, and objects as an act of divine judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations, preventing spiritual contamination and demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty. Jericho, a strategically important and ancient city, represented the firstfruits of the conquest, making the handling of its spoils particularly significant. The command to consecrate the precious metals to the LORD's treasury, rather than allowing soldiers to plunder them, served multiple purposes: it prevented the Israelites from being corrupted by the wealth of a pagan city, emphasized God's ownership of the land and its resources, and provided for the future needs of the Tabernacle, which was the center of Israelite worship and national identity at that time. This act of consecration was a public declaration that the victory was solely the LORD's and that the spoils belonged to Him.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 6:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership**, demonstrating that all victories, resources, and even the spoils of war ultimately belong to God. The wealth of Jericho was not Israel's to claim as personal enrichment but was God's due, a testament to His ultimate authority over creation and human affairs, as seen in passages like [1 Chronicles 29:11](/1_chronicles/29-11 "1 Chronicles 29:11 - David's Prayer of Praise and God's Sovereignty"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, emphasizing the necessity of setting apart certain things exclusively for God's sacred purposes. These precious items were not to be defiled by common use but were dedicated to the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's purity and the need for His people to maintain a holy distinction. Finally, the instruction in [Joshua 6:19](/joshua/6-19 "Joshua 6:19 - Consecration of Jericho's Spoils") is a crucial test of **Obedience to God's Specific Commands**. The subsequent narrative in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Disobedience and its Consequences") vividly illustrates the severe consequences of failing to adhere to these precise divine instructions, underscoring that partial obedience is disobedience and that corporate well-being is tied to individual faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **consecrated (Hebrew, חֵרֶם, _ḥērem_):** While often translated as "devoted to destruction" or "banned," the root חֵרֶם (_ḥērem_) carries the broader meaning of "something set apart" or "devoted." In this specific context, for the silver, gold, brass, and iron, it signifies items irrevocably set apart for God's exclusive use, not for destruction. It implies a sacred dedication, removing them from common use or personal gain and placing them under divine ownership. This distinction is crucial, as it differentiates these items from the general *cherem* applied to the city and its inhabitants, which meant utter annihilation.
* **treasury (Hebrew, אוֹצָר, _ʾôṣār_):** This term refers to a storehouse, repository, or treasury. In the context of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), it denotes the sacred storehouse where valuable items, offerings, and provisions for the sanctuary's maintenance and services were kept. It was a secure and holy place, emphasizing that these consecrated items were not merely being collected but were being integrated into the sacred economy of Israel's worship and national life, under the direct care and ownership of the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron,"**: This clause specifies the particular categories of items that are exempt from the general *cherem* (utter destruction) applied to Jericho. These are valuable, non-perishable materials that could be repurposed for sacred use. The enumeration emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this exception – all such items, regardless of quantity or form, were included.
* **"[are] consecrated unto the LORD:"**: This declarative statement defines the status and ultimate recipient of these specified items. "Consecrated" (from *ḥērem*) here means they are irrevocably set apart, made holy, and dedicated exclusively to Yahweh. This act of consecration signifies God's direct claim over these spoils, transforming them from pagan wealth into sacred resources for His purposes. It underscores that the victory and its proceeds belong to Him.
* **"they shall come into the treasury of the LORD."**: This final clause dictates the practical outcome and physical destination of the consecrated items. They were not to be distributed among the Israelites or used for personal gain, but were to be deposited into the sacred storehouse associated with the Tabernacle. This act ensured that the items were preserved for the LORD's service, whether for the construction, repair, or ongoing maintenance of the sanctuary, or for other divinely appointed uses, reinforcing the principle of divine ownership and the sanctity of God's dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 6:19 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as this verse explicitly delineates an exception to the sweeping command of *cherem* (utter destruction) given in [Joshua 6:17](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17 - Jericho Devoted to the LORD"). While the city and its inhabitants were to be utterly destroyed, the precious metals and vessels were to be preserved and consecrated, creating a stark difference that highlights God's precise and nuanced instructions. This **Divine Command** itself functions as a literary device, emphasizing God's direct involvement and authority over the conquest and its spoils. The very act of consecrating these items carries strong **Symbolism**, representing God's ultimate ownership not only of the victory but also of the wealth of the nations. By claiming these specific spoils for His treasury, God symbolically asserts His sovereignty over all material possessions and His right to determine their use, transforming items from a pagan context into instruments for His holy purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 6:19 serves as a profound theological statement on divine ownership, holiness, and the nature of obedience. It teaches that all things, even the spoils of war obtained through human effort, ultimately belong to God. By commanding the consecration of these valuable materials to His treasury, God asserted His sovereignty over material wealth and demonstrated His right to claim the "firstfruits" of the conquest. This act of setting apart, or making holy, underscores the principle that God's people are to distinguish between the sacred and the common, dedicating their best to Him. Furthermore, the instruction highlights the critical importance of precise obedience to God's commands, no matter how specific or seemingly minor. The subsequent narrative, where Achan's failure to adhere to this very command brings disaster upon Israel, powerfully illustrates the corporate consequences of individual disobedience, emphasizing that faithfulness to God's revealed will is paramount for the well-being and blessing of the entire community.

* [Leviticus 27:28](/leviticus/27-28 "Leviticus 27:28 - Devoted Things are Most Holy to the LORD")
* [Deuteronomy 20:16](/deuteronomy/20-16 "Deuteronomy 20:16-18 - Laws for Holy War and Utter Destruction")
* [Malachi 3:8](/malachi/3-8 "Malachi 3:8-10 - Robbing God and the Promise of Blessing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 6:19 offers timeless principles for believers today, challenging our understanding of ownership, stewardship, and obedience. In a world that often prioritizes personal gain and material accumulation, this verse reminds us that all our possessions, talents, and resources ultimately belong to God. Like the silver and gold of Jericho, our wealth is not merely for our personal consumption but is to be used in ways that honor Him and advance His kingdom. This calls us to a posture of faithful stewardship, recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessings and committing our "firstfruits" and best resources to His purposes. It compels us to consider how we can consecrate our lives—our time, talents, and treasures—to the LORD, setting them apart for His exclusive use rather than being defiled by worldly pursuits. Moreover, the stark consequences of Achan's disobedience in the next chapter serve as a powerful reminder of the gravity of God's commands. Our obedience, even in seemingly small matters, is crucial not only for our individual spiritual health but also for the collective well-being and effectiveness of the body of Christ. We are called to a wholehearted, unreserved obedience that reflects our trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender "ownership" to God and acknowledge His ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How can you practically "consecrate" your resources (time, money, talents) to the LORD's treasury in your daily life?**
* **What specific commands or principles from God's Word might you be neglecting, and what might be the personal or corporate consequences of such disobedience?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific items (silver, gold, brass, iron) spared from destruction while everything else was destroyed?**

Answer: The general command for *cherem* (utter destruction) for Jericho was an act of divine judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites and a preventative measure to keep Israel from spiritual contamination by pagan practices. However, God, in His sovereignty, made an exception for these specific precious metals and vessels. Unlike perishable goods or items associated with idolatry, these materials were inherently valuable and could be purified and repurposed for sacred use within the Tabernacle. By commanding their consecration to the LORD's treasury, God demonstrated His ultimate ownership over all wealth and ensured that these spoils, representing the "firstfruits" of the conquest, would serve His holy purposes, providing for the maintenance and adornment of His dwelling place, rather than being plundered for personal gain by the Israelites. This also served as a critical test of Israel's obedience and their recognition that the victory was entirely God's.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 6:19, with its emphasis on consecration and divine ownership, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as the precious metals of Jericho were "consecrated unto the LORD" and brought into His treasury, Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate "devoted thing" (cf. [Hebrews 10:5-10](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")), set apart and consecrated by God for the singular purpose of accomplishing salvation. He did not come to plunder the world's riches but to offer Himself as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, thereby consecrating humanity back to God. Furthermore, Jesus, as the Son of God, is the rightful heir and owner of all things ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy Over All Creation")). The "treasury of the LORD" into which the Jericho spoils were placed foreshadows the spiritual treasury of God's kingdom, built not with silver and gold, but with redeemed souls and the spiritual riches found in Christ ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has established a new covenant where believers are called to consecrate their entire lives—their bodies, talents, and resources—as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices")). Our true "treasury" is not earthly wealth, but the unfathomable riches of Christ, which we are invited to share and contribute to the building of His eternal kingdom ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

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 Chronicles 26:20

¶ And of the Levites, Ahijah [was] over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.

Matthew 27:6

And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

Mark 12:41

¶ And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

1 Kings 7:51

So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; [even] the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 24:13

And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.

1 Chronicles 18:11

Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all [these] nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.

2 Samuel 8:11

Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;