Joshua 7:15

KJV

And it shall be, [that] he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, that he that is taken {H3920} with the accursed thing {H2764} shall be burnt {H8313} with fire {H784}, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed {H5674} the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}, and because he hath wrought {H6213} folly {H5039} in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The person who is caught with things in his possession that were reserved for destruction is to be burned to ashes, he and everything he has, because he has violated the covenant of ADONAI and has committed a shameful deed in Isra'el.'"

Berean Standard Bible

The one who is caught with the things devoted to destruction must be burned, along with all that belongs to him, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrage in Israel.’”

American Standard Version

And it shall be, that he that is taken with the devoted thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath; because he hath transgressed the covenant of Jehovah, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 7:15 pronounces the severe and uncompromising judgment for Achan's transgression, detailing the punishment of burning by fire for him and all his possessions. This drastic consequence is explicitly stated as a direct result of his disobedience to God's command concerning the devoted things of Jericho, an act that constituted a breach of the Lord's covenant and brought moral and spiritual defilement upon the entire community of Israel, leading to their defeat at Ai.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of the narrative concerning Achan's sin. Following Israel's miraculous victory at Jericho, where God had commanded that all spoils, except for precious metals, be utterly destroyed or consecrated to Him (the *cherem*), the Israelites suffered an unexpected and humiliating defeat at Ai. This defeat signaled a profound spiritual problem within the camp. Joshua's desperate plea to the Lord revealed that someone had violated the *cherem* command. Through a divinely guided process of elimination by lots, the tribe, clan, family, and finally, the individual Achan, were identified as the transgressors. Joshua 7:15 then specifies the precise and devastating penalty for Achan's act, setting the stage for his execution and the subsequent restoration of God's favor to Israel, allowing them to proceed with the conquest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of *cherem* (devoted things) was central to ancient Israelite warfare and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Items or people placed under *cherem* were considered utterly devoted to God, usually for destruction, as a testament to His absolute sovereignty and Israel's complete reliance on Him. To appropriate *cherem* for personal gain was not merely theft but an act of sacrilege, a direct affront to God's holiness and a violation of the covenant that bound Israel to Him. The public execution by burning, involving the offender's family and possessions, served as a powerful deterrent and a ritual act of purification for the entire community, necessary to cleanse the defilement and restore the nation's ritual purity and covenant standing before a holy God. This also highlights the ancient Near Eastern concept of corporate solidarity, where the actions of an individual could have profound implications for the entire group.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 7:15 powerfully underscores several critical themes woven throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes the **absolute holiness of God** and the gravity of sin against Him, especially regarding His explicit commands. Achan's sin was not just a minor infraction but a direct challenge to divine authority and purity, demanding a severe response to maintain God's honor. Secondly, the passage highlights the theme of **corporate responsibility and solidarity**, demonstrating that the sin of one individual could bring divine judgment and defeat upon the entire nation, as seen in Israel's initial setback at [Ai](/joshua/7-5 "Joshua 7:5 - Israel's Defeat at Ai"). This underscores the interconnectedness of the community and the importance of collective obedience. Finally, it illustrates the theme of **purification and covenant fidelity**, showing that drastic measures were sometimes required to purge sin from the community and restore the broken covenant relationship, thereby ensuring God's continued presence and blessing for His people in the promised land, as later seen in their renewed success in [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Capture of Ai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **accursed thing (Hebrew, חֵרֶם _chêrem'_):** This term is central to understanding the severity of Achan's sin. *Chêrem* refers to something "devoted" or "set apart," often for destruction, particularly in the context of holy war. It signifies that which is irrevocably given over to God, making it forbidden for human appropriation or gain. To take *chêrem* was an act of sacrilege, a direct theft from God, and a defilement of the community, as it violated the sacred boundary between the holy and the profane.
* **transgressed (Hebrew, עָבַר _ʻâbar'_):** While *ʻâbar* generally means "to pass over" or "to cross," in this context, it carries the strong connotation of "to transgress," "to violate," or "to breach." Achan did not merely accidentally stumble; he deliberately "crossed over" the boundary of God's command, actively violating the covenant stipulations regarding the spoils of Jericho. This emphasizes the intentionality and gravity of his disobedience.
* **wrought folly (Hebrew, עָשָׂה נְבָלָה _ʻâsâh nᵉbâlâh'_):** The phrase *ʻâsâh nᵉbâlâh* means "to commit an act of disgraceful folly" or "to do a shameful thing." It denotes a morally reprehensible and spiritually foolish act that brings disgrace, shame, and trouble not only upon the individual but also upon the community. This "folly" is not mere stupidity but a willful disregard for God's wisdom and moral order, leading to devastating consequences for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath":** This clause prescribes the specific and severe punishment for the individual identified as having taken the *cherem*. The burning of the person and "all that he hath" (including his family, as indicated in [Joshua 7:24](/joshua/7-24 "Joshua 7:24 - Achan's Execution")) signifies a complete eradication of the defilement. Fire, in biblical contexts, often symbolizes divine judgment and purification, consuming that which is impure to restore holiness. This comprehensive destruction ensures that no trace of the defiling sin remains within the community.
* **"because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD":** This phrase provides the primary theological justification for the extreme punishment. Achan's act was not merely a civil offense but a direct violation of the covenant God had established with Israel at Sinai. The covenant was the foundation of Israel's identity and relationship with God, and its breach threatened the very existence and well-being of the nation. The punishment underscores the sanctity of the covenant and the seriousness of breaking faith with Yahweh.
* **"and because he hath wrought folly in Israel":** This final clause highlights the societal impact of Achan's sin. His act was not a private matter but a public disgrace that brought "folly" or "shame" upon the entire nation. This "folly" manifested in Israel's defeat at Ai, demonstrating that individual sin could have corporate consequences, undermining the nation's strength, reputation, and relationship with God. The punishment, therefore, also served as a public act of purification and a restoration of communal integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 7:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The direct, declarative tone of the verse, stating the judgment with absolute certainty, functions as **Legal Language**, mirroring the precise and unyielding nature of divine law and its consequences. The severity of the prescribed punishment, particularly the burning of "he and all that he hath," can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** (though literally carried out in this case) to underscore the extraordinary gravity of violating God's *cherem* command and the absolute necessity of purging sin from the community. Furthermore, the act of **Fire** itself is deeply **Symbolic**, representing both divine judgment and purification. It consumes the defiled, thereby cleansing the camp and restoring the nation's holiness before God, allowing His presence to return and His blessing to flow once more.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 7:15 stands as a stark reminder of the absolute holiness of God and the profound seriousness of sin, particularly that which involves direct disobedience to His explicit commands and a violation of His covenant. Achan's act, though seemingly small in his eyes, was an affront to God's sovereignty and a defilement of the entire community, demonstrating that God takes sin, especially sacrilege, with utmost gravity. The principle of corporate responsibility, where the sin of one can affect the many, highlights the interconnectedness of God's people and the critical need for communal purity and fidelity to divine standards. This passage serves as a powerful testament to God's justice and His unwavering demand for holiness among His chosen people, emphasizing that His presence and blessing are contingent upon their obedience and the removal of all that is an "accursed thing" in His sight.

* [Deuteronomy 13:17](/deuteronomy/13-17 "Deuteronomy 13:17 - Devoted Things and No Accursed Thing")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as the Sin of Witchcraft")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific judicial practices of ancient Israel are not directly transferable to New Covenant believers, the underlying spiritual principles of Joshua 7:15 remain profoundly relevant. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives for "accursed things"—areas of disobedience, hidden sin, or personal gain that violate God's clear commands and defile our relationship with Him. Achan's story reminds us that sin, even when concealed, has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only our individual spiritual vitality but also the health and effectiveness of the wider Christian community. It calls us to a radical commitment to integrity, transparency, and immediate repentance when we recognize areas of compromise, understanding that true spiritual flourishing, both personally and corporately, depends on our unwavering obedience and reverence for God's holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "accursed things" (areas of hidden disobedience or compromise) might exist in my own life that are hindering my spiritual walk or affecting the community around me?**
* **How does Achan's story challenge my understanding of personal accountability and corporate responsibility within the body of Christ?**
* **In what ways might I be "wrought folly" in my life or community by disregarding God's commands or pursuing selfish gain?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that my life reflects a deep reverence for God's holiness and a commitment to purity, both individually and collectively?**

### FAQ
**Why was the punishment for Achan's sin so severe, involving his family and possessions?**

Answer: The severity of the punishment for Achan's sin, including the burning of his family and possessions, underscores the profound gravity of his transgression within the covenant community of Israel. Firstly, Achan's act was not mere theft but sacrilege—a direct violation of God's command regarding the *cherem* (devoted things) of Jericho. This was an offense against God's absolute holiness and sovereignty. Secondly, it was a breach of the covenant, which was the foundational agreement between God and Israel. Such a breach threatened the entire nation's relationship with God and their continued blessing in the promised land, as evidenced by their defeat at [Ai](/joshua/7-5 "Joshua 7:5 - Israel's Defeat at Ai"). Thirdly, the concept of corporate solidarity was prevalent in ancient Israel; the sin of one individual could defile and bring judgment upon the entire community. The comprehensive destruction by fire served as a ritual act of purification, removing the "accursed thing" and its defiling influence from the camp, thereby restoring God's favor and allowing Israel to proceed with the conquest (see [Joshua 7:12](/joshua/7-12 "Joshua 7:12 - Israel's Defeat Due to Achan's Sin")). It was a public demonstration of God's justice and His demand for absolute purity among His people.

**Does this passage imply that God punishes entire families for the sins of one individual today?**

Answer: While the principle of corporate solidarity was a significant aspect of Old Testament covenant life, particularly in the context of ancient Israel's unique role as a theocratic nation, its direct application to New Covenant believers is understood differently. The New Testament emphasizes individual accountability before God (e.g., [Romans 14:12](/romans/14-12 "Romans 14:12 - Everyone Will Give an Account")). However, the passage still teaches that an individual's sin can have ripple effects, negatively impacting those around them, especially within a close-knit community like the church or family. While God does not literally burn families for individual sin today, the spiritual consequences of hidden sin can still bring shame, brokenness, and hinder the collective spiritual health of a community. The primary lesson is the seriousness of sin and the need for personal and corporate purity, not a literal transfer of ancient judicial practices.

**What does "wrought folly in Israel" mean in this context?**

Answer: To "wrought folly in Israel" (Hebrew: *ʻâsâh nᵉbâlâh*) means to commit an act of disgraceful or shameful foolishness that brings moral and spiritual defilement and trouble upon the community. This "folly" is not mere intellectual stupidity but a profound moral and spiritual perversion—a willful disregard for God's commands and covenant. Achan's act was "folly" because it was utterly irrational and destructive in the face of God's clear instructions and promises. It brought shame upon Israel, caused them to lose God's favor, and led to their defeat and the death of 36 men at [Ai](/joshua/7-5 "Joshua 7:5 - Israel's Defeat at Ai")). This phrase highlights that Achan's sin was not just a private matter but a public scandal that undermined the nation's integrity and relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 7:15, with its stark portrayal of sin's defiling power and the severe judgment required to purge it, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. Achan's act of taking the "accursed thing" brought a curse upon Israel, leading to death and divine displeasure, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's holy law and the dire consequences of sin. The burning of Achan and his possessions served as a temporary, ritualistic cleansing, but it pointed to a deeper, permanent need for purification. In the New Testament, we learn that Christ himself became the "accursed thing" for us, bearing the full weight of God's wrath against sin on the cross (see [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). He was "made sin" for us, though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (see [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus completely removes the curse of sin, not just from an individual or a nation, but from all who believe, offering true and lasting purification and restoring humanity's broken covenant relationship with God. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the need for an "accursed thing" to be dealt with, taking the judgment upon Himself so that we might receive eternal life and walk in the freedom of God's grace (see [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

Genesis 34:7

And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard [it]: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.

Judges 20:6

And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

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.

1 Samuel 14:39

For, [as] the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But [there was] not a man among all the people [that] answered him.

Deuteronomy 13:15

Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that [is] therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.

Deuteronomy 13:16

And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

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.