Joshua 7:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} could {H3201} not stand {H6965} before {H6440} their enemies {H341}, but turned {H6437} their backs {H6203} before {H6440} their enemies {H341}, because they were accursed {H2764}: neither will I be with you any more {H3254}, except {H3808} ye destroy {H8045} the accursed {H2764} from among {H7130} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why the people of Isra'el cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs on their enemies, because they have come under a curse. I won't be with you any more unless you destroy the things meant for destruction that you have with you.

Berean Standard Bible

This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction.

American Standard Version

Therefore the children of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, because they are become accursed: I will not be with you any more, except ye destroy the devoted thing from among you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 7:12 delivers a profound and sobering divine declaration, explaining Israel's humiliating defeat at Ai immediately following their miraculous victory at Jericho. The verse reveals that the nation's inability to stand before their enemies and their subsequent retreat was a direct consequence of a hidden corporate sin: the presence of "accursed" items among them. God emphatically states that His divine presence and favor would be withheld until this defilement was identified and purged from the community, underscoring the absolute necessity of holiness and obedience for His people to experience His blessing and victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is pivotal in the narrative arc of Joshua, marking a dramatic shift from the triumphant conquest of Jericho in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho") to the unexpected and demoralizing defeat at Ai in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Defeat at Ai and Achan's Sin"). The preceding chapter detailed God's specific instructions concerning the spoils of Jericho, designating everything as *ḥērem* (accursed/devoted) to the Lord, with strict prohibitions against taking anything for personal gain ([Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17-19 "Joshua 6:17-19 - The Ban on Jericho's Spoils")). Immediately following the defeat at Ai, Joshua's desperate plea to God is met with this stark explanation, revealing that the military failure was not due to a lack of strength or strategy, but a direct spiritual consequence of Achan's transgression, which is detailed in [Joshua 7:1](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Sin"). This verse sets the stage for the subsequent investigation, confession, and judgment of Achan and his family, leading to Israel's purification and eventual victory at Ai in [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - Victory at Ai").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of *ḥērem*, or "the ban," was a crucial aspect of ancient Near Eastern warfare, particularly for Israel under divine command. It signified something "devoted" or "set apart" to a deity, often for complete destruction, and was strictly forbidden for human appropriation. In the context of Israel's holy war against the Canaanites, *ḥērem* served as an act of judgment against the wickedness of the inhabitants and a demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty and holiness. Achan's act of taking forbidden items was not merely theft; it was a sacrilege, a violation of something consecrated to God, which was understood to pollute the entire community. The Israelite covenant was corporate in nature; the actions of one individual, especially a public sin against God's direct command, could have ramifications for the entire nation, breaking their covenant relationship with Yahweh and leading to the withdrawal of divine favor and presence, which was essential for their military success and overall well-being.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 7:12 powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of disobedience** to God's explicit commands. Israel's military failure was a direct result of their transgression, demonstrating that divine favor is contingent upon covenant faithfulness. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **corporate responsibility**, illustrating that the sin of one individual could bring judgment upon the entire community. This principle is deeply rooted in Israel's identity as a covenant people, where the well-being of the whole was intrinsically linked to the obedience of its members, as seen in the broader covenant curses and blessings outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, it reveals God's **absolute holiness and justice**. God's declaration, "neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you," underscores His inability to tolerate sin in His midst. His presence, which guarantees victory and blessing, cannot abide with impurity, demanding that the "accursed thing" be removed for fellowship to be restored. Finally, the verse points to the **necessity of purification and repentance**. God's path to restoration was clear: the sin had to be identified, confessed, and purged from the community, demonstrating that true repentance involves decisive action to remove that which offends God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Accursed (Hebrew, _chêrem'_):** This is the central theological term in the verse, translated from the Hebrew חֶרֶם (H2764). It refers to a "doomed object" or "extermination," signifying something "set apart" or "devoted" to God, usually for complete destruction. In this context, it is a thing that "should have been utterly destroyed" but was instead appropriated, rendering the community "accursed" and subject to divine judgment.
* **Stand (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** The phrase "could not stand" uses the Hebrew verb קוּᆷ (H6965), meaning "to rise," "to stand up," or "to endure." In a military context, it denotes the inability to hold one's ground or to be victorious against an enemy. Spiritually, it implies a loss of divine enablement and protection, preventing Israel from prevailing.
* **Any more (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** The phrase "neither will I be with you any more" uses the Hebrew root יָסַף (H3254), meaning "to add or augment," often adverbially to "continue to do a thing." Here, it signifies a cessation or discontinuation of God's active presence and support, indicating that He would not "add" His presence to them further under the current conditions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, [but] turned [their] backs before their enemies":** This clause describes the immediate, humiliating consequence of the hidden sin. The military defeat at Ai was not due to the enemy's strength or Israel's conventional weakness, but rather a direct result of God's withdrawal. Their turning their backs signifies a rout, a complete and ignominious retreat, a stark contrast to their recent overwhelming victory at Jericho. This physical defeat is a visible sign of a deeper spiritual problem.
* **"because they were accursed":** This is the divine explanation for the defeat. The nation, collectively, had become "accursed" or "devoted to destruction" in God's eyes, not because every individual had sinned, but because one individual (Achan) had brought the "accursed thing" (the *ḥērem*) into the camp, thereby defiling the entire community under the terms of their covenant with God. This corporate imputation of guilt meant that God's favor was withdrawn from the whole.
* **"neither will I be with you any more":** This is a grave declaration of divine withdrawal. God's presence was the source of Israel's strength, protection, and success in the conquest. His declaration signifies a cessation of His active support in battle and His blessing upon the nation. This is the most severe consequence, indicating a breach in the covenant relationship that jeopardized their entire mission to conquer the land.
* **"except ye destroy the accursed from among you":** This clause provides the condition for the restoration of God's presence and favor. It is a divine command for purification. The "accursed thing" (the forbidden spoils taken by Achan) had to be identified and utterly removed from the community. This act of "destroying" or purging was not merely about physical removal but signified a spiritual cleansing and a renewed commitment to God's holiness and commands. Only through this decisive action could the covenant relationship be restored and God's presence return to lead them to victory.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 7:12 powerfully employs **Cause and Effect** to explain Israel's defeat. The effect (Israel's inability to stand before their enemies) is directly attributed to its cause ("because they were accursed"). This clear causal link underscores the direct relationship between Israel's obedience (or disobedience) and God's favor. The verse also features **Divine Speech**, as God directly addresses Joshua, revealing the hidden sin and His terms for restoration. This direct address emphasizes the divine authority and the seriousness of the situation. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Contrast** by juxtaposing the miraculous victory at Jericho, where God's presence was evident, with the humiliating defeat at Ai, where His presence was explicitly withdrawn due to sin. This highlights the absolute necessity of holiness for God's people to experience His blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 7:12 stands as a stark reminder of God's uncompromising holiness and the profound implications of sin within a covenant community. It illustrates that God's presence and blessing are not automatic but are contingent upon the purity and obedience of His people. The corporate nature of Israel's covenant meant that the sin of one could affect the many, highlighting a principle of solidarity that extends beyond the individual. This passage underscores that God is not merely concerned with external rituals but with the internal integrity and faithfulness of His people. His justice demands that sin be addressed and purged, not out of vindictiveness, but to maintain the sanctity of His relationship with His chosen nation and to ensure their ultimate well-being and success in His mission. The withdrawal of His presence was the most severe consequence, demonstrating that fellowship with God is the ultimate good, and anything that compromises it must be decisively removed.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"): This chapter outlines the severe curses that would befall Israel if they disobeyed God's covenant, including defeat by their enemies and the withdrawal of God's blessing, directly paralleling the consequences seen in Joshua 7.
* [1 Corinthians 5:6-7](/1_corinthians/5-6-7 "1 Corinthians 5:6-7 - Leaven of Malice"): Paul uses the metaphor of "leaven" to illustrate how the sin of one or a few can corrupt the entire community, urging the church to "purge out the old leaven" for the sake of corporate purity, reflecting the principle of removing the "accursed thing."
* [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God"): This verse succinctly states, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear," perfectly encapsulating the spiritual reality of God's withdrawal due to sin, as experienced by Israel in Joshua 7.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 7:12 serves as a timeless and potent warning for believers and the church today. Just as Israel experienced defeat and the withdrawal of God's active presence due to hidden sin, so too can individuals and communities in the New Covenant experience a hindrance to God's blessing, power, and fruitfulness when sin is tolerated or ignored. This passage challenges us to engage in rigorous self-examination, asking if there are "accursed things" in our personal lives—unconfessed sins, unholy compromises, or idols—that hinder our walk with God and our effectiveness for His kingdom. Corporately, it calls the church to a profound sense of shared responsibility for holiness. The actions of one member can indeed impact the witness and spiritual vitality of the whole body. Therefore, we are called not only to personal purity but also to lovingly and truthfully address sin within the community, seeking restoration and cleansing, so that God's presence may dwell richly among us and His mission be unhindered. The greatest loss we can suffer is the withdrawal of God's active presence and favor, making the pursuit of holiness not merely a moral obligation but a vital necessity for spiritual flourishing and divine empowerment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "accursed things" might be present in my own life (hidden sins, unholy attachments, unconfessed compromises) that could be hindering my walk with God or His blessing upon my life?**
* **In what ways does the principle of corporate responsibility apply to the church today, and how can we, as a community, foster an environment of holiness and accountability?**
* **How does the pursuit of holiness, as demanded by God in Joshua 7:12, connect with my desire for God's active presence and power in my life and in my church?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "destroy the accursed" from my personal life and contribute to the purity of my spiritual community?**

### FAQ

**Why was the whole nation punished for one man's sin?**

Answer: This question highlights the concept of corporate responsibility, which was foundational to ancient Israel's covenant relationship with God. In the Old Testament, Israel was understood as a single corporate entity, a covenant people. The actions of individuals, especially those that violated the covenant in a significant way, could affect the entire community. Achan's sin was not merely a private transgression; it was an act of sacrilege against God's explicit command concerning the *ḥērem* (accursed things) at Jericho. By bringing the forbidden items into the camp, he effectively defiled the entire nation, making them "accursed" in God's sight. God's holiness demanded that the sin be addressed corporately because the covenant was corporate. This principle is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"), where the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram led to judgment upon their families and the threat of judgment upon the entire congregation. While the New Covenant emphasizes individual responsibility for sin, the principle of corporate impact remains relevant for the church as a body ([1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Suffering and Rejoicing Together")).

**What does "accursed" mean in this context, and why was it so serious?**

Answer: In Joshua 7:12, "accursed" translates the Hebrew term *ḥērem* (חֵרֶם). This term refers to something "devoted" or "set apart" to God, often for complete destruction, and thus strictly forbidden for human appropriation or use. In the context of the holy war against Jericho, God had commanded that all the city's spoils, except for certain precious metals to be consecrated to the Lord's treasury, were to be utterly destroyed as an act of devotion to God and a judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites ([Joshua 6:17-19](/joshua/6-17-19 "Joshua 6:17-19 - The Ban on Jericho's Spoils")). Achan's act of taking and hiding these forbidden items was not just theft; it was a profound act of sacrilege, a direct defiance of God's explicit command and a violation of something consecrated to Him. It demonstrated a lack of reverence for God's holiness and His authority, bringing spiritual pollution upon the entire camp and incurring divine wrath. The seriousness lay in its direct challenge to God's sovereignty and holiness, which was paramount in Israel's covenant relationship.

**Does God still withdraw His presence from believers or the church today because of sin?**

Answer: Under the New Covenant, the nature of God's presence and our relationship with Him is fundamentally different due to the finished work of Christ. Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), and God promises never to leave or forsake His children ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")). Therefore, God does not "withdraw" His Spirit from a true believer as He did His manifest presence from Old Testament Israel. However, unconfessed sin can grieve the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")), quench His work ([1 Thessalonians 5:19](/1_thessalonians/5-19 "1 Thessalonians 5:19 - Do Not Quench the Spirit")), hinder our fellowship with God ([1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - Walking in Light")), and diminish our spiritual effectiveness and joy. For the church, unaddressed corporate sin can certainly hinder its witness, unity, and the manifest power of God in its midst, leading to a lack of spiritual fruitfulness or even divine discipline ([1 Corinthians 11:30](/1_corinthians/11-30 "1 Corinthians 11:30 - Consequences of Unworthy Communion")). While the ultimate security of salvation is guaranteed in Christ, the experience of God's blessing and power in our daily lives and ministries remains deeply connected to our pursuit of holiness and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 7:12, with its stark message of sin, divine judgment, and the necessity of purification for the restoration of God's presence, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "accursed thing" in Israel's camp brought a curse upon the entire nation, leading to separation from God's favor and military defeat. This foreshadows humanity's universal predicament: our sin has made us "accursed" in God's holy sight, separating us from His life-giving presence and leading to spiritual death ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ Himself became the ultimate "accursed one" for us. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." He bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, taking upon Himself the curse that was due to humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus "destroyed the accursed thing" of sin from among us, not by merely removing an external object, but by cleansing our very hearts and consciences ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing from Dead Works")). His blood purifies us from all unrighteousness, making us holy and blameless before God ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). Consequently, through faith in Christ, God's presence is not merely restored but indwells believers through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - The Father and Son Will Make Their Home with Us"), [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring that we can always "stand before our enemies" (spiritual forces) in His power and live in unbroken fellowship with the Father.

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

Psalms 5:4

For thou [art] not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

Psalms 5:5

The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

Isaiah 59:2

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.

Numbers 14:45

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.

Judges 2:14

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.

Joshua 6:18

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.