Joshua 7:13 - “Get up! Sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, for Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, “There is a devoted thing among you, Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted thing from among you.”
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 7:13" mean?
This verse from Joshua 7:13 is a critical part of the narrative following the Israelite defeat at Ai. It reveals the reason for their loss and the solution to regain God's favor and strength. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Get up! Sanctify the people..." This is a direct command from God (through Joshua) to take action. "Sanctify" here means to set apart as holy, to purify and cleanse, both outwardly and inwardly. It's a call for the Israelites to prepare themselves spiritually and physically to be in God's presence and receive his instructions.
"...and say, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow...'" This reinforces the urgency and specificity of the command. The sanctification process is not a one-time event but requires conscious effort and preparation, focusing on the next day.
"...for Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'There is a devoted thing among you, Israel.'" This reveals the problem: a "devoted thing" (Hebrew: cherem) is present in the Israelite camp. A cherem was an object or living being dedicated to God for destruction. These were often items taken from conquered cities, considered idolatrous or impure. In this specific case, Achan had disobeyed God's command by taking some of the spoils from Jericho (Joshua 6:17-19,21). Because Achan violated the Lord's command and stole the cherem, he has put the Israelites at odds with God.
"'You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted thing from among you.'" This explains the consequences of the hidden sin. God's blessing and protection have been withdrawn. Until the cherem is removed, Israel is vulnerable and unable to defeat its enemies. God's presence and power are contingent on obedience and holiness within the community.
In essence, the verse means:
Sin in the camp: There is hidden sin and disobedience among the Israelites. Specifically, someone has taken a cherem - something that was supposed to be dedicated to God for destruction.
Consequences of sin: This hidden sin has broken the covenant between God and Israel, resulting in their defeat at Ai.
Need for purification: The Israelites need to purify themselves both inwardly and outwardly to address this offense to God.
Removal of the offense: The only way to regain God's favor and strength is to identify and remove the cherem (and presumably the person responsible for it) from their midst.
Theological Implications:
Corporate Responsibility: The sin of one person (Achan) has consequences for the entire community. This highlights the idea that sin can have a ripple effect.
Holiness and Victory: God's presence and blessings are dependent on the holiness and obedience of His people. Sin hinders their ability to experience God's power and protection.
Importance of Repentance and Confession: Repentance and the removal of sin are essential for restoration and renewed fellowship with God.
This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, leading to the discovery of Achan's sin and his subsequent punishment, after which Israel can once again experience victory.
Joshua 7:13 - “Get up! Sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, for Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, “There is a devoted thing among you, Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted thing from among you.”
What does "Joshua 7:13" mean?
This verse from Joshua 7:13 is a critical part of the narrative following the Israelite defeat at Ai. It reveals the reason for their loss and the solution to regain God's favor and strength. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Get up! Sanctify the people..." This is a direct command from God (through Joshua) to take action. "Sanctify" here means to set apart as holy, to purify and cleanse, both outwardly and inwardly. It's a call for the Israelites to prepare themselves spiritually and physically to be in God's presence and receive his instructions.
"...and say, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow...'" This reinforces the urgency and specificity of the command. The sanctification process is not a one-time event but requires conscious effort and preparation, focusing on the next day.
"...for Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'There is a devoted thing among you, Israel.'" This reveals the problem: a "devoted thing" (Hebrew: cherem) is present in the Israelite camp. A cherem was an object or living being dedicated to God for destruction. These were often items taken from conquered cities, considered idolatrous or impure. In this specific case, Achan had disobeyed God's command by taking some of the spoils from Jericho (Joshua 6:17-19,21). Because Achan violated the Lord's command and stole the cherem, he has put the Israelites at odds with God.
"'You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted thing from among you.'" This explains the consequences of the hidden sin. God's blessing and protection have been withdrawn. Until the cherem is removed, Israel is vulnerable and unable to defeat its enemies. God's presence and power are contingent on obedience and holiness within the community.
In essence, the verse means:
Sin in the camp: There is hidden sin and disobedience among the Israelites. Specifically, someone has taken a cherem - something that was supposed to be dedicated to God for destruction.
Consequences of sin: This hidden sin has broken the covenant between God and Israel, resulting in their defeat at Ai.
Need for purification: The Israelites need to purify themselves both inwardly and outwardly to address this offense to God.
Removal of the offense: The only way to regain God's favor and strength is to identify and remove the cherem (and presumably the person responsible for it) from their midst.
Theological Implications:
Corporate Responsibility: The sin of one person (Achan) has consequences for the entire community. This highlights the idea that sin can have a ripple effect.
Holiness and Victory: God's presence and blessings are dependent on the holiness and obedience of His people. Sin hinders their ability to experience God's power and protection.
Importance of Repentance and Confession: Repentance and the removal of sin are essential for restoration and renewed fellowship with God.
This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, leading to the discovery of Achan's sin and his subsequent punishment, after which Israel can once again experience victory.