Joshua 7:12 - Therefore the children of Israel can’t stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will not be with you any more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.
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What does "Joshua 7:12" mean?
This verse, Joshua 7:12, is a crucial point in the narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. It explains why they were defeated in their battle against Ai, a relatively small and seemingly easy target. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Therefore the children of Israel can’t stand before their enemies." This is the immediate consequence. After a string of victories, the Israelites unexpectedly lost a battle. This indicates a fundamental problem. God's power, which had been guaranteeing their success, has been withdrawn.
"They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction." This is the reason for their defeat. The phrase "devoted for destruction" refers to items or people designated as sacred offerings to God, often meaning they are to be utterly destroyed and not taken for personal gain. The sin of taking these devoted things has corrupted the entire nation, rendering them vulnerable. Because someone disobeyed the command about the devoted items, the entire nation became "devoted for destruction." They're now in a state of defilement and subject to God's judgment.
"I will not be with you any more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you." This is the conditional promise of restoration. God will only restore His favor and protection if the Israelites identify and deal with the sin by removing the "devoted things" (and, by implication, the person who took them) from their midst. This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
In essence, the verse highlights the following key points:
The importance of obedience: God's blessings are contingent on obedience to His commands.
The consequences of sin: Sin, even by one individual, can affect the entire community. It can remove God's protection and lead to defeat.
The possibility of restoration: God offers a way back to favor through repentance and the removal of the source of the sin.
The concept of herem: The verse touches on the concept of herem, the complete dedication of something to God, often involving destruction. Violating this command was a serious offense.
The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of holiness and obedience in the context of a covenant relationship with God. It also sets the stage for the next part of the story, where Joshua must identify the guilty party and restore the Israelites' relationship with God.
Joshua 7:12 - Therefore the children of Israel can’t stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will not be with you any more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.
What does "Joshua 7:12" mean?
This verse, Joshua 7:12, is a crucial point in the narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. It explains why they were defeated in their battle against Ai, a relatively small and seemingly easy target. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Therefore the children of Israel can’t stand before their enemies." This is the immediate consequence. After a string of victories, the Israelites unexpectedly lost a battle. This indicates a fundamental problem. God's power, which had been guaranteeing their success, has been withdrawn.
"They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction." This is the reason for their defeat. The phrase "devoted for destruction" refers to items or people designated as sacred offerings to God, often meaning they are to be utterly destroyed and not taken for personal gain. The sin of taking these devoted things has corrupted the entire nation, rendering them vulnerable. Because someone disobeyed the command about the devoted items, the entire nation became "devoted for destruction." They're now in a state of defilement and subject to God's judgment.
"I will not be with you any more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you." This is the conditional promise of restoration. God will only restore His favor and protection if the Israelites identify and deal with the sin by removing the "devoted things" (and, by implication, the person who took them) from their midst. This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
In essence, the verse highlights the following key points:
The importance of obedience: God's blessings are contingent on obedience to His commands.
The consequences of sin: Sin, even by one individual, can affect the entire community. It can remove God's protection and lead to defeat.
The possibility of restoration: God offers a way back to favor through repentance and the removal of the source of the sin.
The concept of herem: The verse touches on the concept of herem, the complete dedication of something to God, often involving destruction. Violating this command was a serious offense.
The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of holiness and obedience in the context of a covenant relationship with God. It also sets the stage for the next part of the story, where Joshua must identify the guilty party and restore the Israelites' relationship with God.