Joshua 7:20

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Acan répondit à Josué, et dit: Il est vrai que j'ai péché contre l'Eternel, le Dieu d'Israël, et voici ce que j'ai fait.

What Does This Mean?

This verse shows Achan confessing to Joshua that he has sinned against God by disobeying His command. Achan admits to taking items from Jericho which were supposed to be destroyed. The key message is about the importance of honesty and admitting one's wrongdoings.

Explained for Children

Imagine you promised not to take a cookie from the cookie jar, but you did anyway. Later, when your mom asks about the missing cookie, you tell her the truth about what you did. That's what Achan did here—he admitted to Joshua that he took something he shouldn't have.

Historical Background

The book of Joshua was written by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after the exodus from Egypt. This passage is part of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan and their encounter with Jericho. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting involved strict adherence to God's commands for the survival and prosperity of the nation.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, if you've done something wrong at work, like taking office supplies for personal use, the best course of action is to admit your mistake to your boss, as Achan did with Joshua. This shows honesty and a willingness to take responsibility for your actions.

Topics

• sin
• confession
• honesty
• consequences
• obedience
• forgiveness

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 15:20-21
• Numbers 32:23
• Proverbs 28:13
• John 3:16-17
• James 5:16

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the sin Achan confessed to in Joshua 7:20?

Achan confessed to taking items from Jericho that were supposed to be destroyed, which was against God's command.

Why is confession important in the context of Joshua 7:20?

Confession is important because it shows honesty and a willingness to take responsibility for one's actions, leading to potential forgiveness and restoration.

How does Joshua 7:20 relate to our daily lives?

It teaches us that admitting our mistakes is crucial for maintaining integrity and trust, much like how Achan's honesty with Joshua was vital for the Israelites' mission.

What are the consequences of Achan's confession?

While Achan admitted his wrongdoing, the text later indicates that he faced severe consequences, showing the seriousness of disobeying God's commands.