Joshua 22:20

20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? And that man perished not alone in his iniquity.'"

Joshua 22:20 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 22:20

Did not Achan the son of Zerah
One that descended from Zerah the son of Judah, ( Joshua 7:18 ) ;

commit a trespass in the accursed thing;
in taking what was devoted to sacred uses:

and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel?
and which was what was feared now; and this instance is brought to show that such fears were not groundless:

and that man perished not alone in his iniquity:
which seems to confirm the notion of those who think that his children suffered with him; though it may be observed, that it was through his sin that thirty six men were slain by the men of Ai, ( Joshua 7:5 ) .

Joshua 22:20 In-Context

18 but that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD? And it will be, seeing ye rebel today against the LORD, that tomorrow He will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel.

19 Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us; but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us in building yourselves an altar besides the altar of the LORD our God.

20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? And that man perished not alone in his iniquity.'"

21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the halftribe of Manasseh answered and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

22 "The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, He knoweth, and Israel he shall know! If it be in rebellion or if in transgression against the LORD (save us not this day)