This verse is part of the story of Achan's sin in Joshua 7. Let's break down the meaning:
"So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent": After the Israelites were defeated in battle at Ai, Joshua sought God to understand why. God revealed that someone had disobeyed His command by taking devoted things (loot specifically claimed for God). He used lots to identify Achan as the culprit. Joshua then sent messengers (likely soldiers or officials) in haste to Achan's tent. The speed is emphasized because they needed to verify Achan's confession quickly.
"Behold, it was hidden in his tent, with the silver under it": This is the crucial part. When the messengers searched Achan's tent, they found the stolen items exactly as Achan had confessed:
"it": Refers to the stolen items: a beautiful cloak from Babylon, 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold.
"hidden in his tent": Achan had disobeyed God's direct command not to take any spoils for himself. Instead, he secretly buried them within his own dwelling.
"with the silver under it": This emphasizes the deliberate concealment. The silver was likely used as a base or support, further concealing the valuable cloak and gold.
In summary, the verse means that Joshua's messengers quickly searched Achan's tent and discovered the stolen goods, exactly as Achan had confessed, confirming his transgression. The silver being under the other items indicates a careful attempt to hide the evidence of his disobedience.
Significance:
This verse is important because:
Confirms Achan's guilt: It provides concrete evidence to back up Achan's confession.
Highlights the severity of the sin: Achan's act was not a minor infraction. It was a direct violation of God's command, treated seriously because it impacted the entire community of Israel.
Illustrates the consequences of disobedience: Achan's sin brought defeat to Israel in battle. The verse sets the stage for Achan's punishment and the restoration of God's favor.
Demonstrates God's holiness and justice: God is not mocked and requires obedience. He will expose and judge sin.
This verse is part of the story of Achan's sin in Joshua 7. Let's break down the meaning:
"So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent": After the Israelites were defeated in battle at Ai, Joshua sought God to understand why. God revealed that someone had disobeyed His command by taking devoted things (loot specifically claimed for God). He used lots to identify Achan as the culprit. Joshua then sent messengers (likely soldiers or officials) in haste to Achan's tent. The speed is emphasized because they needed to verify Achan's confession quickly.
"Behold, it was hidden in his tent, with the silver under it": This is the crucial part. When the messengers searched Achan's tent, they found the stolen items exactly as Achan had confessed:
"it": Refers to the stolen items: a beautiful cloak from Babylon, 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold.
"hidden in his tent": Achan had disobeyed God's direct command not to take any spoils for himself. Instead, he secretly buried them within his own dwelling.
"with the silver under it": This emphasizes the deliberate concealment. The silver was likely used as a base or support, further concealing the valuable cloak and gold.
In summary, the verse means that Joshua's messengers quickly searched Achan's tent and discovered the stolen goods, exactly as Achan had confessed, confirming his transgression. The silver being under the other items indicates a careful attempt to hide the evidence of his disobedience.
Significance:
This verse is important because:
Confirms Achan's guilt: It provides concrete evidence to back up Achan's confession.
Highlights the severity of the sin: Achan's act was not a minor infraction. It was a direct violation of God's command, treated seriously because it impacted the entire community of Israel.
Illustrates the consequences of disobedience: Achan's sin brought defeat to Israel in battle. The verse sets the stage for Achan's punishment and the restoration of God's favor.
Demonstrates God's holiness and justice: God is not mocked and requires obedience. He will expose and judge sin.