Joshua 6:18 - But as for you, only keep yourselves from what is devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing; so you would make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Joshua 6:18" mean?
This verse from Joshua 6:18 is a warning to the Israelites regarding the spoils of Jericho after they conquer it. Let's break it down:
"But as for you, only keep yourselves from what is devoted to destruction...": The phrase "devoted to destruction" (Hebrew: herem) refers to things that were dedicated to God for destruction, often as a form of sacrifice or offering. In the context of the conquest of Canaan, it often meant that the spoils of conquered cities were to be completely destroyed—people, animals, and possessions. This was sometimes a judgment from God on the extreme wickedness of those nations, and sometimes a way to prevent the Israelites from being tempted into idol worship or corrupt practices.
"...lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing...": This is the crucial warning. They are not to take any of the things that are supposed to be destroyed or given to God. Once something is declared herem (devoted to destruction), it becomes sacred to God in a negative sense. Taking it is an act of sacrilege and disobedience.
"...so you would make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.": Disobeying this command would bring a curse upon the entire Israelite community. The sin of one person could affect everyone. The word "trouble" suggests it would bring hardship, defeat, and potentially God's disfavor.
In essence, the verse means:
Do not take any of the things that are specifically designated for destruction/dedication to God.
Disobeying this command is a serious offense against God.
The consequence of disobedience is a curse on the entire Israelite community, bringing trouble and potentially divine judgment.
Why was this so important?
Obedience: This was a test of their obedience to God's commands.
Avoiding Idolatry: By destroying pagan objects, they would avoid the temptation to worship false gods.
Holiness: It maintained the holiness and purity of the Israelite camp. Greed and selfishness could corrupt the entire community.
God's Sovereignty: It acknowledged God's sovereignty and ownership over all things. The spoils belonged to Him, and He had the right to determine what would be done with them.
The story of Achan in Joshua 7 illustrates the consequences of disobeying this command. His sin of taking forbidden spoils led to the defeat of the Israelites in battle and brought judgment upon him and his family.
Joshua 6:18 - But as for you, only keep yourselves from what is devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing; so you would make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.
What does "Joshua 6:18" mean?
This verse from Joshua 6:18 is a warning to the Israelites regarding the spoils of Jericho after they conquer it. Let's break it down:
"But as for you, only keep yourselves from what is devoted to destruction...": The phrase "devoted to destruction" (Hebrew: herem) refers to things that were dedicated to God for destruction, often as a form of sacrifice or offering. In the context of the conquest of Canaan, it often meant that the spoils of conquered cities were to be completely destroyed—people, animals, and possessions. This was sometimes a judgment from God on the extreme wickedness of those nations, and sometimes a way to prevent the Israelites from being tempted into idol worship or corrupt practices.
"...lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing...": This is the crucial warning. They are not to take any of the things that are supposed to be destroyed or given to God. Once something is declared herem (devoted to destruction), it becomes sacred to God in a negative sense. Taking it is an act of sacrilege and disobedience.
"...so you would make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.": Disobeying this command would bring a curse upon the entire Israelite community. The sin of one person could affect everyone. The word "trouble" suggests it would bring hardship, defeat, and potentially God's disfavor.
In essence, the verse means:
Do not take any of the things that are specifically designated for destruction/dedication to God.
Disobeying this command is a serious offense against God.
The consequence of disobedience is a curse on the entire Israelite community, bringing trouble and potentially divine judgment.
Why was this so important?
Obedience: This was a test of their obedience to God's commands.
Avoiding Idolatry: By destroying pagan objects, they would avoid the temptation to worship false gods.
Holiness: It maintained the holiness and purity of the Israelite camp. Greed and selfishness could corrupt the entire community.
God's Sovereignty: It acknowledged God's sovereignty and ownership over all things. The spoils belonged to Him, and He had the right to determine what would be done with them.
The story of Achan in Joshua 7 illustrates the consequences of disobeying this command. His sin of taking forbidden spoils led to the defeat of the Israelites in battle and brought judgment upon him and his family.