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Joshua 7

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 7 of 24

1 And the sons of Israel sinned a sin in the devoted things. And Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah took of the devoted things. And the anger of Jehovah glowed against the sons of Israel.

2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, on the east of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, Go up and spy out the land. And the men went up and spied out Ai.

3 And they returned to Joshua, and said to him, Do not let all the people go up. Let about two thousand men, or three thousand men, go up, and they shall strike Ai. Do not cause all the people to labor there, for they are few.

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Chapter Summary

The Israelites are smitten at Ai. 6 Joshua's complaint. 16 Achan is taken by the lot. 19 His confession. 24 He and all he had are destroyed in the valley of Achor.

Key Hebrew Words

חֵ֫רֶם devoted thing H2764 · TWOT 745a
מָעַל act unfaithfully H4603 · TWOT 1230
חָטָא sin H2398 · TWOT 638
בְּרִית covenant H1285 · TWOT 282a
חֲמַד covet H2530 · TWOT 673
קָדַשׁ sanctify, set apart H6942 · TWOT 1990

People & Context

Joshua

Leader of Israel who intercedes after the defeat at Ai and exposes Achan's sin by lot

Achan

Man of Judah who took devoted spoil from Jericho, bringing defeat on Israel; stoned in Achor

Carmi

Father of Achan, named in the genealogy traced during the casting of lots

Zabdi

Grandfather of Achan; the man taken when the Zerahite households drew near

Zerah

Great-grandfather of Achan and head of the Zerahite family of Judah

Timeline

Achan Commits a Trespass

Achan, of the tribe of Judah, sins by taking from the devoted things, kindling Jehovah's anger against Israel.

Joshua 7:1
Spies Sent to Ai

Joshua sends spies from Jericho to Ai. They return and advise sending only two or three thousand men, as the people of Ai are few.

Joshua 7:2-3
Defeat at Ai

Three thousand Israelites attack Ai but are routed, fleeing and losing thirty-six men. The hearts of the Israelites melt.

Joshua 7:4-5

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