Joshua 7:11
Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.
Joshua 7:11 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Israel is being accused of sinning and breaking the covenant that God had commanded them to follow. The specific transgressions mentioned include taking forbidden items, stealing, and deceitfulness. These actions go against the laws and commandments that God had established for the people of Israel to follow. The verse highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's laws and the consequences of straying from them. The reference to "the accursed thing" refers to the prohibition in the Old Testament against taking any spoils or possessions from conquered cities, as they were considered tainted by idolatry. By disobeying these commands, Israel was not only breaking their covenant with God but also engaging in immoral behavior that would lead to punishment and consequences. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to God's commands and the need for repentance and forgiveness when one strays from that path.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Joshua 7:11, we see a potent example of the consequences of sin and disobedience towards God. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the severity of Israel's transgressions and the importance of following the commandments of the Lord. The verse emphasizes that Israel not only sinned but also broke the covenant with God by taking forbidden items, stealing, and deceiving. These actions reveal a lack of trust in God's provision and an inclination towards selfish desires. By disobeying God's commandments, Israel suffered the consequences of their actions, demonstrating the principle of reaping what one sows. Word studies on terms like "accursed thing," "stolen," and "dissembled" provide further insight into the nature of Israel's transgressions and the gravity of their actions in violating the covenant with God. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, honesty, and faith in God's commands to avoid falling into sin and facing its destructive consequences.
Joshua 7:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
Israel hath sinned; yea, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: yea, they have even taken of the devoted thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also; and they have even put it among their own stuff.
World English Bible
Israel has sinned. Yes, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them. Yes, they have even taken of the devoted things, and have also stolen, and also deceived. They have even put it among their own stuff.
Douay-Rheims
Israel hath sinned, and transgressed my covenant: and they have taken of the anathema, and have stolen and lied, and have hid it among their goods.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Israel hath sinned, and they haue transgressed my couenant, which I commanded them: for they haue euen taken of the excommunicate thing, and haue also stollen, and dissembled also, and haue put it euen with their owne stuffe.