7:1 the Israelites broke faith The Hebrew word used here, ma'al, elsewhere describes adultery (Num 5:12–13; see note on 1 Chr 5:25). Achan’s violation exceeded theft—it was akin to spiritual adultery against Yahweh for breaking the cherem principle.

concerning the devoted things Refers to breaking the rules of cherem; see note on Josh 6:17.

Achan First Chronicles 2:7 spells Achan’s name as “Achar.”

7:2 Joshua sent men The narrative contains no indication that Joshua consulted God before this decision. While this omission may suggest a reason for the defeat at Ai, the text nevertheless explicitly attributes the defeat to Achan’s sin (see Josh 7:10–12). See note on 9:14.

to Ai The site of biblical Ai is commonly identified with et-Tell, a large (27 acres) site southeast of Bethel. The nearby site of Khirbet el-Maqatir is the most plausible alternative location for biblical Ai.

7:6 Joshua tore his clothes A sign of grief (see Gen 37:29, 34; Num 14:6; 2 Sam 1:11; 13:31).

the ark of Yahweh See Exod 25:10 and note.

the elders of Israel The heads of the families and also of political units to which they belong (e.g., town or tribe). In Deuteronomy, these elders are also called “judges,” though the two groups may be separate (see Deut 16:18; 17:9, 12; 19:17–18; 25:2). The elders judged problems of civil and family law. Their role was largely judicial. See Exod 3:16; 18:12; Deut 19:12; 21:2.

they put dust on their heads A sign of mourning (see Job 2:12; Lam 2:10).

7:7 the hand of the Amorites to destroy us Associated with the ancient indigenous Canaanite giant clans (see Num 32:33, 39; Deut 1:4; 2:24; 3:2, 8–9). This was one of the people-group terms regularly used to describe the nations in Canaan (see Josh 3:10; 9:1).

beyond the Jordan The Transjordan.

7:8 has fled Israel ran from its enemies.

7:9 cut off our name from the land Joshua and the Israelites fear that this defeat will embolden their enemies, resulting in the defeat of Israel in Canaan.

What will you do, for your great name? Joshua appeals to the reputation of God—His ability to bring Israel into the land as He promised. This is the same basis Moses used to prevent God from destroying Israel for their wickedness on the journey to Canaan (see Num 14:15).

7:11 Israel has sinned This reflects the idea of corporate responsibility, a notion prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures and the ot.

transgressed my covenant Since the principle of cherem had been articulated in Moses’ sermons in Deuteronomy (Deut 7:2; 20:17)—the reiteration of the Sinai covenant—this was a covenantal violation. See note on Josh 6:16; note on 6:17.

7:12 were unable to stand before their enemies Israel was defeated because God refused to fight for them due to the covenant transgression.

they have become a thing devoted for destruction The wording is ominous: Either Israel obeys God’s command about cherem, or it will itself become the object of cherem.

you destroy the devoted things God declares that He will leave Israel to its own destruction at the hands of her enemies if the people continue to keep the forbidden objects in the camp.

7:16 the tribe of Judah was selected by lot Indicates they were chosen by lot.

7:19 give glory to Yahweh the God of Joshua instructs him to demonstrate by confession that Yahweh is indeed correct.

7:20 I have sinned against Yahweh the God of Israel Achan confesses immediately, knowing that God has exposed him through the lot. He then describes what happened and the objects he took, which were all small and could be easily hidden.

7:21 I saw among the spoil On other occasions, Israelite warriors were allowed to take plunder from the conquered (e.g., Num 31:11–12). However, when the enemy is placed under cherem, everything belongs to God (see note on Josh 6:17).

a beautiful robe from Shinar The robe was from Babylonia (Shinar).

I coveted them Achan violated the 10th commandment (see Exod 20:17; Deut 5:21).

are hidden in the ground inside my tent Indicates that Achan knew he was doing wrong.

7:23 they spread them out before the presence of Yahweh Suggests that the entire scene—the choosing by lots, the confession, and now the resolution—took place before the entry to the sanctuary, God’s abode.

7:24 his sons and daughters Points to the principle of corporate responsibility. The unfortunate death of Achan’s family ensured that his name was blotted out of Israel. In effect, Achan and his family were given to God in place of the stolen objects that violated the cherem (see note on Josh 6:17). The contrast between this event and the story of Rahab (ch. 2), whose family was included in her righteous acts, is evident.

his cattle and donkeys, his sheep The inclusion of livestock, which cannot bear moral responsibility, indicates that Achan’s household was punished because of corporate responsibility, not due to their participation.

to the valley of Achor The exact location of this valley is unknown. The name “Achor” is a play on words, as it comes from the Hebrew verb akhar, which means “to bring disaster.”

7:26 a great pile of stones This pile of stones and the earlier memorial pile erected in the Jordan are intentionally connected. The narrator describes both as being present “to this day,” and the memory each evoked was a vivid, concrete contrast between obedience and disobedience.

that remains to this day See note on 4:9.