Meaning of Joshua 6:18

This verse from Joshua 6:18 directly addresses the Israelites' command concerning the spoils of war after the conquest of Jericho, emphasizing the critical importance of obedience and the severe consequences of disobedience, particularly regarding the "devoted things." The term "devoted things" (Hebrew: herem) refers to items or people that were to be utterly destroyed or set apart for God, meaning they were not to be retained or used by the Israelites. Achan's later sin (Joshua 7) exemplifies the dire repercussions of violating this command, demonstrating that even a single act of covetousness and disobedience could bring divine judgment upon the entire community. The verse highlights that the sanctity of God's commands extends to the spoils of war and that the integrity of Israel's relationship with God was paramount, even when faced with material temptation.

Context and Background

The conquest of Jericho was a pivotal moment in the Israelite campaign to possess the Promised Land. God had orchestrated a miraculous victory, instructing the Israelites to march around the city for seven days, with the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant and blowing trumpets. On the seventh day, they were to circle the city seven times, and upon the signal of the trumpets, the people were to shout, and the walls would fall down. This divinely ordained method of conquest was not merely a military strategy but a testament to God's power and a demonstration of Israel's reliance on Him. Crucially, God had declared Jericho and everything within it "devoted" to destruction (Joshua 6:17). This meant that nothing was to be taken by the Israelites for personal gain; all was to be utterly destroyed or, in the case of the city itself, its structures and inhabitants eradicated.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is obedience to God's specific commands. God's instructions were precise, and any deviation, even if seemingly minor, was considered a serious transgression. Secondly, the verse underscores the concept of holiness and separation. The "devoted things" were set apart for God's exclusive use, and to appropriate them was to defile what was holy. Thirdly, it highlights the corporate responsibility of the community. Achan's individual sin brought disaster upon all of Israel, illustrating that the actions of one could have far-reaching consequences for the entire nation. Finally, the verse conveys the seriousness of covetousness; the desire for forbidden goods leads to disobedience and its associated penalties.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse serves as a perpetual reminder that God's commands are not arbitrary but are designed for our well-being and to maintain a pure relationship with Him. The "devoted things" can be understood as anything in our lives that God calls us to surrender or set apart for Him – our ambitions, possessions, relationships, or even our time – when they compete with our devotion to Him or when He specifically calls us to relinquish them. The temptation to covet and keep what God has designated as "devoted" is a recurring spiritual struggle. The verse warns against allowing personal desires to override divine will, which can lead to spiritual destruction and bring negative consequences not only upon ourselves but also upon those with whom we are connected in faith.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This incident is foundational to the narrative of Israel's conquest and their subsequent history. It sets the stage for the devastating consequences of sin within the community, as exemplified by the story of Achan in chapter 7. This event underscores the consistent biblical theme that God requires absolute devotion and obedience. It foreshadows later instances where the unfaithfulness of individuals or the nation as a whole leads to judgment, exile, and the loss of God's favor. Conversely, it also reinforces the idea that obedience leads to blessing and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Analogies

One analogy for the "devoted things" could be a surgeon who must remove a cancerous tumor. The tumor is the "devoted thing"—it must be completely eradicated for the health of the patient (Israel). If the surgeon, out of greed or sentimentality, keeps a piece of the tumor, it jeopardizes the patient's recovery and can lead to the spread of the disease. Another analogy is a precious artifact in a museum that is kept under strict quarantine for preservation and study; unauthorized removal or handling would compromise its integrity and the museum's protocols.

Relation to Other Verses

This command is directly linked to the broader Mosaic Law concerning the herem (devoted things), as seen in texts like Leviticus 27:28-29, which states that anything devoted to destruction by a man shall not be sold or redeemed; it shall be put to death. It also finds resonance with the New Testament teaching on separation from sin and total consecration to God. Jesus' statement in Matthew 10:38, "whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me," echoes the idea of surrendering all for God's kingdom. Furthermore, the New Testament also warns against covetousness, as in Ephesians 5:3, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any impurity or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people." The consequences of Achan's sin also relate to the principle of sin's pervasive nature and its impact on the community, as seen in the New Testament warnings against allowing "a little yeast to leaven the whole batch of dough" (1 Corinthians 5:6).