1 chronicles 2:7 - The son of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who committed a trespass in the devoted thing.
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What does "1 chronicles 2:7" mean?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 2:7 is a brief but significant statement about a man named Achar (also known as Achan) and his transgression that had serious consequences for the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"The son of Carmi: Achar...": This establishes Achar's lineage. He was a descendant of Carmi.
"...the troubler of Israel...": This is a descriptive title for Achar, emphasizing the impact of his actions on the entire nation. He wasn't just a sinner affecting himself; he caused widespread suffering and defeat. The Hebrew word for "troubler" implies causing distress, agitation, and calamity.
"...who committed a trespass in the devoted thing.": This is the core of the verse. It explains what Achar did that earned him the title "troubler of Israel." He violated a direct command related to something "devoted" to God.
Context from the Book of Joshua:
To fully understand the meaning of this verse, you need to know the story in Joshua chapter 7. After the Israelite victory at Jericho, God commanded them not to take any of the spoils of war for themselves because they were devoted to Him. Jericho was to be totally destroyed and dedicated to the Lord. These "devoted things" were often intended for the Lord's treasury or for complete destruction as a sacrifice to Him.
Achar disobeyed this command. He secretly took a beautiful cloak from Shinar (Babylon), some silver, and a wedge of gold, and hid them in his tent. Because of his sin, when the Israelites went to fight the small city of Ai, they suffered a humiliating defeat. God revealed that someone had sinned by taking what was devoted to Him, thus breaking the covenant.
Through a process of elimination (casting lots), Achar was discovered. He confessed his sin, and he and his family and all his possessions were stoned to death in the Valley of Achor. This act of judgment was seen as necessary to restore God's favor and allow the Israelites to continue their conquest of the Promised Land.
Significance:
Corporate Responsibility: The story of Achar highlights the idea of corporate responsibility in the Old Testament. One person's sin could affect the entire community, bringing God's judgment upon them all.
Obedience to God: The verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they don't seem logical or convenient.
Consequences of Sin: Achar's story serves as a cautionary tale about the serious consequences of sin, especially when it involves disobedience to a direct command from God.
God's Holiness: The story underscores the holiness of God and the need to treat things dedicated to Him with reverence and respect.
The Need for Atonement: Achar's sin brought a curse upon Israel, and his death was seen as a way to atone for that sin and restore God's blessing.
In summary, 1 Chronicles 2:7 is a concise statement referencing the tragic story of Achar, whose disobedience and theft of devoted things brought disaster upon Israel. It is a reminder of the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of sin, highlighting that sin can have far-reaching effects.
1 chronicles 2:7 - The son of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who committed a trespass in the devoted thing.
What does "1 chronicles 2:7" mean?
This verse from 1 Chronicles 2:7 is a brief but significant statement about a man named Achar (also known as Achan) and his transgression that had serious consequences for the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"The son of Carmi: Achar...": This establishes Achar's lineage. He was a descendant of Carmi.
"...the troubler of Israel...": This is a descriptive title for Achar, emphasizing the impact of his actions on the entire nation. He wasn't just a sinner affecting himself; he caused widespread suffering and defeat. The Hebrew word for "troubler" implies causing distress, agitation, and calamity.
"...who committed a trespass in the devoted thing.": This is the core of the verse. It explains what Achar did that earned him the title "troubler of Israel." He violated a direct command related to something "devoted" to God.
Context from the Book of Joshua:
To fully understand the meaning of this verse, you need to know the story in Joshua chapter 7. After the Israelite victory at Jericho, God commanded them not to take any of the spoils of war for themselves because they were devoted to Him. Jericho was to be totally destroyed and dedicated to the Lord. These "devoted things" were often intended for the Lord's treasury or for complete destruction as a sacrifice to Him.
Achar disobeyed this command. He secretly took a beautiful cloak from Shinar (Babylon), some silver, and a wedge of gold, and hid them in his tent. Because of his sin, when the Israelites went to fight the small city of Ai, they suffered a humiliating defeat. God revealed that someone had sinned by taking what was devoted to Him, thus breaking the covenant.
Through a process of elimination (casting lots), Achar was discovered. He confessed his sin, and he and his family and all his possessions were stoned to death in the Valley of Achor. This act of judgment was seen as necessary to restore God's favor and allow the Israelites to continue their conquest of the Promised Land.
Significance:
Corporate Responsibility: The story of Achar highlights the idea of corporate responsibility in the Old Testament. One person's sin could affect the entire community, bringing God's judgment upon them all.
Obedience to God: The verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they don't seem logical or convenient.
Consequences of Sin: Achar's story serves as a cautionary tale about the serious consequences of sin, especially when it involves disobedience to a direct command from God.
God's Holiness: The story underscores the holiness of God and the need to treat things dedicated to Him with reverence and respect.
The Need for Atonement: Achar's sin brought a curse upon Israel, and his death was seen as a way to atone for that sin and restore God's blessing.
In summary, 1 Chronicles 2:7 is a concise statement referencing the tragic story of Achar, whose disobedience and theft of devoted things brought disaster upon Israel. It is a reminder of the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of sin, highlighting that sin can have far-reaching effects.