Definition: And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 7:20. It’s a really important moment in the story of how Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: The Problem: The Israelites were being very disrespectful to God and were building a temple made of bronze and gold – a symbol of their power and defiance. Joshua's Response: Joshua, the leader, is trying to calm things down. He’s asking Achan to explain what happened. Achan's Answer: Achan replies with a long, complicated list of excuses – “I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and so…” This means he feels guilty about his actions and says he did something wrong. What it Means in Plain Language: Achan is admitting to having committed a sin. The "thus and so" part suggests that he’s listing multiple things he did wrong – maybe he offered sacrifices, built the temple, or just behaved disrespectfully. The Significance - It's About Repentance & Forgiveness: This verse is key because it shows that Achan recognizes his mistake. He acknowledges wrongdoing and is begging for forgiveness. It’s a moment of humility and turning away from pride and rebellion. Why it Matters in the Story: Moses’ Leadership: Moses is demonstrating that even the most powerful people are capable of making mistakes. The Turning Point: Achan's confession is crucial because it allows God to forgive him. It’s a key step towards the Israelites being reconciled with God and moving on. Without acknowledging his sin, he wouldn’t be forgiven. In short, this verse is about taking responsibility for your actions and seeking forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Joshua 7? Discuss the symbolism behind this event (like the bronze temple)?