And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.
JOSHUA 7:19KJVWhat does Joshua 7:19 mean?
Joshua 7:19 shows Joshua urging Achan to admit his wrongdoing honestly and openly before God and the people of Israel. Joshua asks Achan to give glory to the LORD by confessing what he has done and not hiding anything.
In this verse, Joshua is speaking directly to Achan after Israel's defeat at Ai, which was caused by someone breaking God's command. Joshua calls Achan "my son," a term of compassion, and asks him to honor God (the LORD, or יְהוָה, YHWH) by telling the truth. The verse highlights the importance of confession and honesty in restoring the relationship between the people and God.
The Hebrew behind Joshua 7:19
- "Glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word often means honor or weightiness. Joshua is asking Achan to give proper honor to God by being truthful, not by hiding his sin.
- "Confession" (תוֹדָה, todah): This word can mean an admission or acknowledgment, especially of wrongdoing. Here, it stresses that admitting fault is a way to honor God.
- "Hide" (כָּחַד, kachad): Joshua tells Achan not to conceal anything, emphasizing that nothing should be kept secret from God or the community.
Why Joshua 7:19 matters
- This verse clarifies that confession is not just about admitting guilt, but about honoring God by being truthful, even when it is difficult.
- Joshua’s approach shows both firmness and compassion, calling Achan "my son" while demanding honesty, which highlights the seriousness of the situation and the value of truth in the community.
- The verse connects to the broader story by showing how hidden sin affects the whole community and how restoration begins with honest confession.