Joshua 7:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Certain transgressions serve as retribution for others. An example of this can be seen when the Israelites were fleeing from their adversaries in the city of Ai; fear had been instilled in their hearts, compelling them to retreat. This fear acted as a consequence of their wrongdoing, a penalty that was rightfully imposed and executed. Therefore, the Lord spoke to Joshua, declaring that they could not stand against their foes. But what does it signify that they “could not withstand” their enemies? Why were they unable to exercise their free will to oppose them and instead resorted only to flight when gripped by fear? Is it not evident that the sovereign Lord, who governs the hearts of men, instills holy dread upon whom He chooses in His wrath?

In the chronicles of God's people's struggles, we observe that after Joshua and his forces miraculously traversed the Jordan, which had parted before them, and after they had astonishingly brought down the walls of Jericho through trumpet blasts and shouts from the soldiers, they faced an unexpected defeat when attempting to conquer a smaller city. The leader and his troops were bewildered, grappling with the absence of divine assistance. Why was this so? The Lord revealed to Joshua, “...men have sinned; ...for this reason the children of Israel cannot stand before the face of their enemies” (Nav. 7:10-12). The truth is that Achan had taken forbidden items—a golden vessel, silver, and garments—from Jericho, violating a sacred oath established by the chief.