King James Version

What Does Joshua 7:16 Mean?

Joshua 7:16 in the King James Version says “So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:”

Joshua 7:16 · KJV

Context

14

In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.

15

And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel. folly: or, wickedness

16

So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:

17

And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:

18

And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.

Read Joshua 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joshua rose early in the morning—demonstrating leadership diligence and spiritual priority. Early rising for important spiritual matters appears throughout Scripture as a mark of godly leaders (Abraham, Moses, Samuel). He brought Israel by tribes, and the tribe of Judah was taken. The methodical process begins—tribe by tribe, each standing before the Lord as the lot identifies Judah. That Judah, the royal and messianic tribe (Genesis 49:10), contained the guilty party is striking. This shows sin isn't respecter of heritage or privilege—even the most honored tribe harbors covenant breakers. The passive construction 'was taken' emphasizes divine sovereignty—God's hand guides the lot. Proverbs 16:33 states: 'The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.' This process combines human participation (Joshua bringing tribes forward) with divine revelation (God designating the guilty). It models how God's people discern His will through ordained means while trusting His sovereign guidance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tribal assembly would have been a solemn, anxious gathering. Each tribe would have hoped the lot fell elsewhere, yet each household had to reckon with the possibility of guilt within their midst. Archaeological evidence suggests the Urim and Thummim (priestly lots, Exodus 28:30) may have been used for such determinations, though the text doesn't specify. The selection of Judah as the guilty tribe would have been shocking—Judah held preeminence among the tribes, producing Israel's leadership (including Caleb and eventually David). Yet divine justice operates impartially. The deliberate, public process served educational purposes—Israel learned that God sees hidden sin and will expose it. This transparency also prevented false accusations or witch hunts—the lot system placed determination in God's hands, not human suspicion. The early morning timing suggests the process began at dawn and may have continued through the day as narrowing continued from tribe to clan to household to individual.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Joshua's early rising teach about priorities when addressing corporate sin?
  2. How does the lot process (God's sovereign selection) protect against human bias or false accusation?
  3. What does Judah's selection teach about the impartiality of God's justice regardless of status?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֤ם1 of 10

“rose up early”

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙2 of 10

“So Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר3 of 10

“in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיַּקְרֵ֥ב4 of 10

“and brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת5 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 10

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

שֵׁ֥בֶט7 of 10

“and the tribe”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

וַיִּלָּכֵ֖ד8 of 10

“was taken”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

שֵׁ֥בֶט9 of 10

“and the tribe”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יְהוּדָֽה׃10 of 10

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 7:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 9:10Joshua 3:1Psalms 119:60Genesis 22:3

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 7 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes