Understanding the Scriptures
Joshua 7
| Trespass (v. 1) | Sin | |
| Accursed thing (vv. 1, 11–13, 15) | Things God commanded to be destroyed | |
| Smote (v. 5) | Killed | |
| Rent (v. 6) | Tore | |
| Eventide (v. 6) | Evening | |
| Content (v. 7) | Satisfied | |
| Sanctify (v. 13) | Make clean and holy | |
| Taketh, take (vv. 14–18) | Chooses, choose | |
| Thus and thus (v. 20) | These are the things. | |
| Spoils (v. 21) | Material possessions left after the people were destroyed | |
| Shekels (v. 21) | Pieces (see Bible Dictionary, “weights and measures,” p. 789) | |
| Coveted them (v. 21) | Wanted them |
Joshua 7:22–26—Was Achan’s Family Killed with Him?
The language of Joshua 7 makes it unclear as to whether Achan’s family was killed with him or whether they were required to watch while he was killed and the accursed spoils burned. It is possible, however, that they were killed, especially if they helped Achan hide the things he took. The whole camp was commanded not to take anything from the city.
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A as you study Joshua 7.
Consequences of Sin
-
1.
Elder Dean L. Larsen said, “There is no such thing as private sin” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1983, 49; or Ensign, May 1983, 35). In what ways does the story of Achan demonstrate this truth? For example, how did Achan’s sin affect thirty-six Israelites and their families? Include in your answer how his sin affected all the camp of Israel, including Joshua, and how it affected Achan’s family.
-
2.
Think of and write about a modern example of how what seems to be a person’s “private sin” can actually affect many others.
Official Web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
© 2013 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserved
