Meaning of Joshua 22:20

This verse from Joshua 22:20 serves as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of sin and its consequences within the community, drawing a direct parallel to a past transgression that had devastating repercussions for all of Israel. Joshua, speaking to the trans-Jordanian tribes, invokes the sin of Achan to underscore the gravity of their perceived disobedience, emphasizing that individual sin does not remain isolated but can, and often does, affect the entire body of believers. The implication is that any deviation from God's commands, particularly concerning what has been consecrated or set apart for divine purposes, carries a collective risk and demands collective accountability, thereby reinforcing the importance of communal integrity and obedience.

Context and Background

The immediate context for Joshua 22:20 is a dispute between the tribes of Israel east of the Jordan River (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) and the tribes west of the Jordan. After the conquest of Canaan, these eastern tribes were permitted to return to their allotted lands, but they built a large altar near the Jordan River. The western tribes feared this altar was a sign of apostasy or a separate sanctuary, which would violate the unity of Israel's worship centered at the tabernacle. Joshua, as the leader, is addressing this concern, and he uses the incident with Achan as a cautionary tale to highlight the serious consequences of disobedience that impacted the entire nation. The story of Achan is found in Joshua chapter 7, where he secretly kept some of the devoted plunder from the conquest of Jericho, leading to defeat and death for Israel at Ai.

Key Themes and Messages

• Communal Accountability: The verse strongly emphasizes that sin within a community is not solely the responsibility of the individual perpetrator. The wrath of God, in Achan's case, fell upon the whole community of Israel, demonstrating that the actions of one can have far-reaching consequences for many.
• The Seriousness of "Devoted Things": Achan's sin was specifically related to the devoted things (Hebrew: herem), which were things set apart for God and forbidden for personal gain. This highlights the sacredness of what belongs to God and the severe penalty for misusing or appropriating it.
• Divine Discipline and Purification: God's judgment on Achan and the subsequent consequences for Israel served as a means of discipline and purification, ensuring that the nation remained holy and obedient to Him. This event was crucial for maintaining Israel's covenant relationship with God.
• Warning and Admonition: Joshua uses this historical event as a powerful warning to the trans-Jordanian tribes, urging them to demonstrate their faithfulness and unity with the rest of Israel.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the interconnectedness of believers within the church, which is often referred to as the body of Christ. Just as Achan's sin affected the entire nation of Israel, the sin of one member within the church can grieve the Holy Spirit and negatively impact the spiritual health and witness of the entire community. This calls for a high degree of personal integrity and a commitment to purity within the fellowship. It also underscores the importance of addressing sin within the community, not just for the sake of the individual but for the well-being of all. Furthermore, it highlights the need for vigilance in guarding against anything that might be considered "devoted" to God, whether it be our time, talents, or resources, ensuring they are used according to His will and not for selfish purposes.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This incident with Achan, and Joshua's reference to it here, is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's conquest and settlement. It demonstrates that God's faithfulness to His promises was contingent upon Israel's obedience. The initial defeat at Ai, directly attributed to Achan's sin, forced a confrontation with disobedience and a recommitment to God's commands before they could achieve further victories. This theme of obedience as a prerequisite for divine blessing and success runs throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose perfect obedience secured salvation for all who believe. The New Testament echoes this concept of communal responsibility and the impact of sin within the body of Christ.

Analogies

One analogy for this concept is a single rotten apple in a barrel. While only one apple is infected, its decay can spread to others, spoiling the entire batch. Similarly, Achan's sin, though his alone, had a corrupting influence that threatened the spiritual health of all Israel. Another analogy is a single faulty wire in a complex electrical system. While the fault is localized, it can cause a circuit breaker to trip, affecting the power supply to many appliances, or worse, cause a fire that endangers the entire structure.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 7:25-26: This passage instructs Israel to burn the idols of the Canaanites and not to covet their silver or gold, for it is "detestable" and "cursed." Achan's sin was a direct violation of this command concerning devoted things.
• Leviticus 27:28-29: This passage speaks of things "devoted" to the Lord, which are "most holy" and cannot be redeemed. Achan's transgression was a violation of this principle of absolute consecration.
• 1 Corinthians 5:6: Paul uses a similar analogy in the New Testament, stating, "Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?" This highlights how sin can spread and corrupt a community.
• Hebrews 12:15: This verse warns against "a root of bitterness" springing up and causing trouble, defiling many. It illustrates how one person's unaddressed sin can poison the spiritual atmosphere of a community.
• Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." While this verse speaks of mutual support, it also implicitly acknowledges that the burdens (which can include the consequences of sin) are sometimes shared or impact the community.