Joshua 7:17

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought {H7126} the family {H4940} of Judah {H3063}; and he took {H3920} the family {H4940} of the Zarhites {H2227}: and he brought {H7126} the family {H4940} of the Zarhites {H2227} man {H1397} by man {H1397}; and Zabdi {H2067} was taken {H3920}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He had the families of Y'hudah come forward and took the family of the Zarchi. He had the Zarchi family come forward by household leaders, and Zavdi was taken.

Berean Standard Bible

He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the clan of the Zerahites was selected. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward, and the family of Zabdi was selected.

American Standard Version

and he brought near the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zerahites: and he brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 7:17 meticulously details a crucial phase in the divinely guided investigation to uncover the individual responsible for Israel's humiliating defeat at Ai. Following the initial identification of the tribe of Judah through the casting of lots, this verse describes the subsequent, systematic narrowing of the search within Judah, first to the family of the Zarhites, and then, by presenting each male member, to the specific identification of Zabdi, Achan's grandfather, thereby advancing the process toward the ultimate revelation of Achan's transgression against God's command regarding the devoted things from Jericho.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Israel's initial campaigns in Canaan, specifically following their miraculous victory at Jericho and preceding their unexpected defeat at Ai. [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat at Ai") opens with the revelation of Achan's trespass concerning the "devoted things" from Jericho, which brought God's wrath upon the entire community, leading to the rout at Ai ([Joshua 7:5](/joshua/7-5 "Joshua 7:5 - Israel's Defeat at Ai")). The preceding verses ([Joshua 7:13-16](/joshua/7-13 "Joshua 7:13-16 - God's Instructions for Identifying the Sinner")) describe God's instructions to Joshua for identifying the culprit through a process of elimination by tribe, family, household, and individual. Verse 17 marks the progression of this divinely orchestrated "lot-casting" within the tribe of Judah, narrowing the search to the family of the Zarhites and then to Zabdi, Achan's grandfather, setting the stage for Achan's direct identification in the subsequent verses ([Joshua 7:18](/joshua/7-18 "Joshua 7:18 - Achan Identified")). The meticulous detail underscores the gravity of the sin and the divine precision in uncovering it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of casting lots (Hebrew: _goral_) was a recognized method in ancient Israel for discerning the divine will or making important decisions, as seen in the division of the land ([Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Division of Land by Lot")) or the selection of Saul as king ([1 Samuel 10:20-21](/1_samuel/10-20 "1 Samuel 10:20-21 - Saul Chosen by Lot")). This was not a game of chance but a sacred act believed to be under God's sovereign control ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). The concept of "devoted things" (Hebrew: _cherem_) refers to items or people irrevocably dedicated to God, often for destruction, as was the case with Jericho. To take from the _cherem_ was to steal from God, a profound act of sacrilege that defiled the entire community. The severe consequences for Achan's sin reflect the high standards of holiness required of God's covenant people, especially in the context of their entry into the promised land, where they were to be distinct from the idolatrous nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation of Sin**, demonstrating God's omniscience and His unwavering commitment to exposing hidden transgression, even when it is meticulously concealed by individuals. Secondly, it underscores the principle of **Corporate Responsibility and Individual Accountability**: while Achan's sin brought judgment upon the entire nation, leading to the defeat at Ai, the process systematically pinpointed the individual culprit for specific accountability, emphasizing that the actions of one can profoundly affect the whole community, yet ultimate justice falls on the transgressor. Lastly, the meticulous identification process reinforces **God's Justice and Holiness**, revealing that God demands purity within His covenant people and will not tolerate disobedience, especially concerning matters of sacred dedication. This pursuit of holiness is foundational to Israel's identity and their successful occupation of the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought (Hebrew, _yaqrev'_):** This verb, often translated as "to bring near" or "to present," is used repeatedly in [Joshua 7:14-18](/joshua/7-14 "Joshua 7:14-18 - The Identification Process"). Its repetition emphasizes the methodical, step-by-step nature of the divine selection process. It denotes a deliberate, guided presentation of each successive group (tribe, family, household, individual) before God, through the means of the lot, for divine scrutiny and identification. It highlights God's active involvement in orchestrating the revelation of the hidden sin.
* **took/taken (Hebrew, _lakad'_):** While the KJV translates the first instance (implied in "he took") and the second as "taken" (passive), the root verb _lakad_ means "to capture," "to seize," or "to apprehend." In the context of lot-casting, it signifies being divinely designated or caught. This word conveys the inescapable nature of God's judgment and the certainty of the culprit's identification. The passive form "was taken" (וַיִּלָּכֵד, _vayyilakhed_) in reference to Zabdi underscores that he was the one divinely apprehended or singled out by the lot, not through human choice or random chance, but by God's sovereign hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought the family of Judah;":** This clause signifies the first step in narrowing the search within the already identified tribe of Judah. Joshua, acting under divine instruction, presented the various families of Judah, allowing the sacred lot to fall upon one of them. This was a public and solemn act, designed to demonstrate God's direct involvement in the process of uncovering sin.
* **"and he took the family of the Zarhites:":** Following the presentation of families, the lot designated the family of the Zarhites as the next stage in the identification. This was not a human decision but a divine revelation, indicating that the transgression was somehow connected to this specific lineage within Judah. The "taking" here refers to the divine selection of this family by means of the lot.
* **"and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man;":** This phrase describes the final, most granular step in the process of elimination. Having identified the Zarhite family, Joshua then presented each individual male member of that family. This "man by man" presentation highlights the thoroughness and precision of the divine investigation, ensuring that no one could escape scrutiny. It also builds suspense, as the community watches for the ultimate revelation.
* **"and Zabdi was taken:":** This climactic phrase in the verse states the direct outcome of the "man by man" presentation. The lot fell upon Zabdi, identifying him as the next link in the chain leading to Achan. While Zabdi himself was not the perpetrator of the sin (he was Achan's grandfather, as revealed in [Joshua 7:18](/joshua/7-18 "Joshua 7:18 - Achan's Lineage")), his identification was a critical step in the divinely guided process to expose Achan and bring the hidden sin to light.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the phrase "he brought" (or variations thereof) and the repeated mention of "the family of the Zarhites." This repetition emphasizes the methodical, systematic, and divinely controlled nature of the selection process, building tension and highlighting the inevitability of the culprit's exposure. The narrative also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as each step in the narrowing process (tribe, family, household, individual) progressively points towards the ultimate revelation of Achan, creating a sense of impending judgment. The entire scene operates as a dramatic illustration of **Divine Providence** and **Divine Omniscience**, where God is actively guiding the lot-casting to reveal what is hidden, demonstrating that no sin can remain concealed from Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 7:17 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering holiness and His commitment to justice within His covenant community. The meticulous, divinely guided process of uncovering Achan's sin underscores the truth that God sees all, and hidden transgressions, if unconfessed and unrepented of, will ultimately be brought to light. This incident highlights the profound impact of individual sin on the corporate body, demonstrating that the spiritual health and effectiveness of the community are directly tied to the purity of its members. God's demand for holiness is not arbitrary but essential for His presence and blessing to remain with His people. The severity of the consequences for Achan's sin, despite its concealment, serves as a stark warning against treating God's commands lightly and against the temptation to appropriate what belongs exclusively to Him.

* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - God's Omniscience")
* [1 Corinthians 5:6](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6 - Leaven of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 7:17, while detailing an ancient judicial process, carries profound contemporary relevance for believers. It reminds us that our God is one who sees all things, even the most carefully concealed actions and intentions of the heart. This should inspire not fear, but a profound reverence and a commitment to living with integrity, knowing that true freedom comes from walking in the light. The corporate impact of Achan's sin also challenges us to consider our role within the body of Christ. Our individual choices, whether for righteousness or compromise, ripple through our families, churches, and communities. This calls us to a greater sense of responsibility, encouraging us to actively pursue personal holiness not just for our own sake, but for the spiritual well-being and effectiveness of the collective. Ultimately, this passage invites us to humble ourselves before God, confessing our hidden faults and trusting in His mercy to cleanse us, ensuring that our lives contribute to the purity and strength of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be harboring "hidden" sin that needs to be brought before God?**
* **How does my individual walk with God impact the spiritual health and effectiveness of my family, church, or community?**
* **What does God's meticulous exposure of Achan's sin teach me about His character and His expectations for His people today?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sensitivity to God's holiness in my daily decisions and actions?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use a lot-casting process to identify Achan, rather than simply revealing him directly to Joshua?**

Answer: While God certainly possesses the power to reveal Achan directly, the use of the lot-casting process served several important purposes. Firstly, it publicly demonstrated God's active involvement and unerring justice. It wasn't Joshua's human intuition or investigation, but a divinely guided process that systematically exposed the sin, leaving no doubt about the divine origin of the revelation. This reinforced God's authority and omniscience before all Israel. Secondly, it allowed for a public, methodical unveiling of the sin, which would have had a profound impact on the entire community, serving as a powerful object lesson on the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of God's holiness. It underscored the principle that "the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). This public, step-by-step revelation was crucial for restoring the community's trust in God's justice and for purifying the camp.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 7:17 details the exposure and judgment of sin within the Old Covenant, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem found in Jesus Christ. Achan's sin brought a curse upon the entire community, leading to defeat and divine displeasure, demonstrating the corporate impact of individual transgression. In a profound parallel, humanity's sin brought a curse upon all creation ([Romans 8:20-22](/romans/8-20 "Romans 8:20-22 - Creation Groans Under the Curse")), separating us from a holy God. Yet, unlike Achan, who was "taken" for judgment, Jesus Christ, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly allowed Himself to be "taken" and condemned, bearing the full weight of humanity's corporate and individual sin upon the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He became the curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), not to expose our hidden sin for condemnation, but to cleanse us from it and reconcile us to God. Through His sacrifice, the "trouble" that sin brings is removed, and fellowship with a holy God is restored, offering forgiveness and new life where only judgment once stood ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness Through Christ")). He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's holiness, allowing His people to stand pure before Him.

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

Numbers 26:20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

1 Chronicles 2:4

And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah [were] five.

1 Chronicles 2:7

And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed.

Genesis 38:30

And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.