Joshua 7:14

KJV

In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, [that] the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families [thereof]; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the morning {H1242} therefore ye shall be brought {H7126} according to your tribes {H7626}: and it shall be, that the tribe {H7626} which the LORD {H3068} taketh {H3920} shall come {H7126} according to the families {H4940} thereof; and the family {H4940} which the LORD {H3068} shall take {H3920} shall come {H7126} by households {H1004}; and the household {H1004} which the LORD {H3068} shall take {H3920} shall come {H7126} man {H1397} by man {H1397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, tomorrow morning you are to come forward, one tribe at a time; the tribe ADONAI takes is to come forward, one family at a time; the family ADONAI takes is to come forward, one household at a time; and the household ADONAI takes is to come forward, one person at a time.

Berean Standard Bible

In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD selects shall come forward clan by clan, and the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward family by family, and the family that the LORD selects shall come forward man by man.

American Standard Version

In the morning therefore ye shall be brought near by your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which Jehovah taketh shall come near by families; and the family which Jehovah shall take shall come near by households; and the household which Jehovah shall take shall come near man by man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 7:14 meticulously outlines the divine protocol given to Joshua for identifying the individual responsible for Israel's devastating defeat at Ai. Following the miraculous capture of Jericho, a single act of disobedience by one Israelite brought divine judgment upon the entire community, leading to a humiliating loss against a smaller foe. This verse details the systematic, God-ordained process of elimination, moving from the broadest communal unit—the tribes—down to the specific individual, thereby revealing the hidden sin that had provoked God's wrath and hindered His presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of Joshua 7:14 is the aftermath of Israel's humiliating defeat at Ai, a stark contrast to their miraculous victory at Jericho. Following the initial report of the defeat in [Joshua 7:2-5](/joshua/7-2-5 "Joshua 7:2-5 - Israel's Defeat at Ai"), Joshua and the elders express profound grief and confusion, questioning God's presence and purpose ([Joshua 7:6-9](/joshua/7-6-9 "Joshua 7:6-9 - Joshua's Lament and Intercession")). In response, the Lord reveals that Israel's defeat was not due to a lack of divine power but to a breach of covenant—specifically, the taking of "the accursed thing" (herem) from Jericho, which had been explicitly forbidden ([Joshua 7:10-13](/joshua/7-10-13 "Joshua 7:10-13 - God Reveals Israel's Sin")). Joshua 7:14, therefore, serves as God's direct instruction to Joshua on the precise, step-by-step method for uncovering the hidden sin and identifying the guilty party, setting the stage for Achan's exposure and the subsequent restoration of God's favor. The meticulous nature of the process underscores the gravity of the transgression and the necessity of its complete eradication for the nation's spiritual and military success.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically and culturally, the narrative of Joshua 7:14 is set within the context of ancient Israel's conquest of Canaan, a period governed by specific covenant laws and a strong emphasis on corporate solidarity. In the Ancient Near East, the concept of a community bearing the consequences of an individual's transgression was not uncommon, but within Israel, this was amplified by their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The "accursed thing" (*herem*) from Jericho was not merely spoils of war but items devoted to God for destruction or His treasury, and to take them was an act of sacrilege, a direct affront to God's holiness and authority. The method described—a systematic selection process from tribe to individual—echoes ancient judicial practices and possibly the use of lots or divine revelation (like the Urim and Thummim, though not explicitly stated here) to uncover hidden truths. However, the repeated phrase "the LORD taketh" emphasizes divine intervention and infallible discernment. The purity of the camp was paramount for God's presence and blessing, making the identification and removal of sin a critical necessity for the entire nation's well-being and success in the conquest.
* **Key Themes:** Several key themes converge in [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences") and are powerfully underscored in Joshua 7:14. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Omniscience and Justice**, demonstrating that no sin, however hidden, escapes God's notice and that His justice demands its exposure and reckoning. Secondly, the passage powerfully illustrates the profound concept of **Corporate Responsibility** or **Covenant Solidarity**, where the sin of one individual (Achan) directly impacts the entire community, bringing judgment upon the nation ([Joshua 7:1](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Transgression") and [Joshua 7:11](/joshua/7-11 "Joshua 7:11 - Israel Has Sinned")). This principle is foundational to Israel's identity as God's covenant people. Thirdly, it vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, showing how a single act of transgression can hinder God's blessing and presence, leading to defeat and distress. Finally, the meticulous, step-by-step process of identification—from tribe to individual—reveals **God's Thoroughness and Sovereign Control** in uncovering hidden matters, ensuring that His will and justice are perfectly executed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taketh (Hebrew, _lâkad'_):** This verb (לָכַד) carries the primary meaning of "to seize," "to capture," or "to apprehend." In this context, it signifies a divine act of selection and identification, emphasizing that the process is not random or based on human guesswork, but rather God's active and infallible hand guiding the revelation of the guilty party. It underscores the certainty of the outcome because the Lord Himself is doing the "taking," a sovereign act of discernment.
* **brought (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** The verb (קָרַב) means "to draw near," "to approach," or "to present." Here, it describes the formal, structured presentation of each group (tribes, families, households, individuals) before Joshua, and implicitly before God, for the divine selection process. It denotes an orderly, solemn procedure, highlighting the gravity of the inquiry and the need for the community to submit to God's method of revelation for the purpose of purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes":** This opening clause establishes the setting and the initial scope of the divine inquiry. The phrase "in the morning" often denotes a time for official or judicial proceedings in ancient Israel, emphasizing the solemnity and urgency of the task. The command for "all Israel" (implied from the preceding verses) to be "brought" or presented by their tribal divisions indicates the comprehensive and systematic nature of the search, starting with the broadest communal unit, ensuring no one is overlooked.
* **"and it shall be, [that] the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families [thereof]":** This clause describes the first stage of the divine narrowing process. Through a method divinely orchestrated (likely involving lots or direct revelation, as the Lord "taketh" or selects), one specific tribe will be identified as containing the offender. Once identified, that tribe is then commanded to present itself further, broken down by its constituent families, demonstrating the progressive refinement of the search.
* **"and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households":** The process continues with increasing precision. Within the already identified tribe, the Lord will again "take" or select a particular family. This selected family is then required to present its members, further subdivided by their individual households. This step highlights the relentless and meticulous nature of God's pursuit of truth, leaving no stone unturned in the uncovering of hidden sin.
* **"and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man":** This final clause brings the divine search to its ultimate conclusion: the identification of the single individual responsible for the transgression. Within the chosen household, the Lord will "take" or pinpoint the specific man, leaving no doubt as to the guilty party. This step-by-step method underscores God's perfect knowledge and His commitment to exposing hidden sin with absolute accuracy, ensuring justice is served and the community is cleansed.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 7:14 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "the LORD taketh" (or "shall take"). This repeated emphasis serves to underscore the divine agency and sovereign control over the entire identification process, ensuring that the revelation of the guilty party is not a matter of chance or human ingenuity but a direct, infallible act of God. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Climax** or **Gradation**, moving systematically from the broadest social unit ("tribes") to progressively narrower ones ("families," "households") until it culminates in the identification of the single "man by man." This dramatic narrowing builds suspense and highlights the meticulousness and infallibility of God's justice. The passage also implicitly uses **Corporate Solidarity** as a thematic device, where the collective "Israel" bears the consequences of an individual's sin, illustrating the profound interconnectedness within the covenant community and the need for communal holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of Joshua 7:14 is immense, revealing core truths about God's character and His relationship with His covenant people. It powerfully demonstrates God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity within His community. Sin, even when committed by one individual and hidden from human sight, defiles the entire corporate body and provokes divine wrath, hindering God's blessing and presence. This passage underscores the principle of corporate responsibility, where the well-being of the whole is intricately linked to the obedience of its parts. God's meticulous process of revelation signifies His unwavering commitment to justice and His omniscience, ensuring that hidden sin will ultimately be brought to light. This divine exposure is not merely punitive but redemptive, aiming to restore the community to a right relationship with Him by removing the impediment of sin and re-establishing the conditions for His blessing.
* [Deuteronomy 29:18-20](/deuteronomy/29-18-20 "Deuteronomy 29:18-20 - Consequences of Corporate Sin")
* [1 Samuel 14:36-45](/1_samuel/14-36-45 "1 Samuel 14:36-45 - Jonathan's Transgression Revealed by Lot")
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 7:14 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us of the pervasive nature and far-reaching consequences of sin. It calls us to a deep sense of personal accountability, recognizing that our actions, whether public or private, can impact not only ourselves but also the spiritual health and effectiveness of our families, churches, and communities. The meticulousness of God in uncovering Achan's sin should instill in us a healthy reverence for His omniscience; there are no hidden sins from Him, and a life of integrity and transparency is essential for maintaining a vibrant relationship with God. Furthermore, this passage challenges us to consider our corporate responsibility within the body of Christ. Just as Israel needed to purge the sin from their midst to restore God's favor, so too must the church collectively strive for purity, addressing sin through confession, repentance, and restorative discipline where necessary. This pursuit of holiness is not for condemnation but for the flourishing of God's presence and blessing among His people, enabling the church to fulfill its mission unhindered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my personal actions, even seemingly private ones, be impacting the spiritual well-being of my family or church community?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's omniscience (that He "sees all") encourage me to live a life of greater transparency and integrity before Him?**
* **What steps can I, or my community, take to address unconfessed sin and restore a deeper sense of God's presence and blessing among us?**

### FAQ
**Why did God punish the entire community for the sin of one individual, Achan?**

Answer: The punishment of the entire community for Achan's sin highlights the profound concept of corporate solidarity within ancient Israel, particularly in their covenant relationship with God. Israel was understood as a single, unified entity in covenant with Yahweh, where the actions of one member could affect the spiritual standing and blessing of the whole. Achan's transgression, by taking "the accursed thing" ([Joshua 7:1](/joshua/7-1 "Joshua 7:1 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Transgression")), was not merely a personal offense but a breach of the national covenant, defiling the entire camp and disrupting God's presence and favor among His people. God's holiness demands that sin be dealt with, and in this context, the entire community bore the consequences until the sin was identified and purged, emphasizing the gravity of covenant faithfulness and the communal nature of their relationship with God.

**How exactly did the LORD "take" or identify the guilty tribe, family, household, and individual?**

Answer: While the precise method is not explicitly detailed in Joshua 7:14, the phrase "the LORD taketh" strongly implies a divine, supernatural process rather than a human investigation. In ancient Israel, methods for discerning God's will often included the casting of lots (as seen in [1 Samuel 14:41-42](/1_samuel/14-41-42 "1 Samuel 14:41-42 - Jonathan Identified by Lot")) or the use of the Urim and Thummim by the high priest. It's most probable that Joshua employed one of these divinely sanctioned means, guided by God, to systematically narrow down the search. The emphasis is not on the mechanics of the process but on the certainty that God Himself was orchestrating the revelation, ensuring the infallible identification of the transgressor and the restoration of His people's purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 7:14, while a stark portrayal of sin's consequences and God's justice in the Old Covenant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reorientation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Achan's individual sin brought corporate condemnation and death upon Israel, highlighting humanity's inherent inability to perfectly uphold God's law and the devastating impact of transgression. However, in Christ, we see the ultimate reversal of this pattern. The [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") willingly "took" upon Himself the sin of the world, bearing the corporate judgment that humanity deserved, so that those who believe might be freed from condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Unlike Achan, whose exposure led to death for himself and his family, Jesus's "being taken" (arrested, crucified) leads to life for all who are united with Him. Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ has dealt definitively with the "accursed thing" of sin, cleansing His people and restoring fellowship with a holy God. He is the one righteous man whose singular act of obedience brings righteousness to many ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of One, Righteousness for Many")), transforming the principle of corporate solidarity from one of shared condemnation in Adam to one of shared righteousness and life in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:22](/1_corinthians/15-22 "1 Corinthians 15:22 - In Christ All Made Alive")).

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

Proverbs 16:33

¶ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

Joshua 7:17

And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:

Joshua 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.

Jonah 1:7

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil [is] upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

Acts 1:24

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

Acts 1:26

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

1 Samuel 14:38

And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.