Joshua 7: Slow Learners

Tough chapter. We look on at yet another situation where we see sin at work and its horrible consequences. Listen again to the warning that God had just given to the Israelites in Joshua 6:18: “But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it.”

God wanted Israel to understand and remember that each individual’s actions had consequences for their entire community. Even with this clear warning ringing in our ears, we are still shocked to read about how one man’s decision to ignore and disobey God leads to a terrible outcome where many innocent people, including his own family, are killed. There is just something about this that does not seem fair.

I think part of our struggle when reading stories like this one is that our modern, individualistic worldview clashes with the more communal, corporate view of the Bible. Our modern mindset says that individuals benefit from or suffer for what they themselves do (or don’t do). Usually, they are exempt from the benefits or deficits or what others do (or do not do). If it were otherwise, our individualism would say that it is unjust.

In the world of the Bible, however, entire communities and families benefit or suffer because of the actions of an individual, and no one reckons this unjust. If we don’t understand the differences between those two perspectives, we will have difficulty understanding much of the Bible. 

God exists in community and his dreams, his plans, and his goals have always involved community, not just individuals. This is why all of his promises have come down to us through his dealings with a believing nation (Israel) and a believing community (the church). God loves individuals; of this let there be no doubt. But God’s view is always communal or corporate.

May this chapter remind us of several timeless truths: God is holy and he still takes our obedience and disobedience very seriously. Like Achan, we are part of a community of believers. Our choices and actions have potential to dramatically impact how others experience and see our church community. With this in view, let’s decide together to choose obedience.

Ken Jackson