Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua urges Achan to "give glory to God" not just by confessing, but by acknowledging God's all-knowing justice that has already uncovered the hidden sin. This reveals that true confession isn't just admitting guilt, but a profound recognition of God's perfect knowledge and righteous judgment.
Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the devastating defeat at Ai, where Israel suffered significant losses, Joshua and the people realized that God's presence had withdrawn because of sin within the camp. Following God's instruction, Joshua used the lot to identify the guilty party, which pointed directly to Achan. Now, Joshua confronts Achan, urging him to confess his sin openly, which involves admitting to taking forbidden plunder from Jericho.
Why would Joshua ask Achan to 'give glory to God' after Achan's sin had already caused disaster? It seems counterintuitive, but there's a profound reason.
The Divine Mandate to Confess
Joshua's command to Achan, "give glory to the LORD God of Israel and make confession unto him," isn't just about admitting guilt. It's about acknowledging God's character – His omniscience (He knows all), His justice (He must judge sin), and His faithfulness (He keeps His promises and His threats).
This isn't just about personal confession; it's a public declaration that God's ways are right, even in judgment.
Joshua calls Achan 'my son' right before condemning him. Is this genuine affection, or a cruel tactic? The answer reveals God's heart for His people.
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Compassion Amidst Judgment
Joshua's address to Achan as 'my son' is deeply significant. It wasn't ironic or hypocritical, but reflects a father's heart toward his charge, even when that charge must face severe consequences.
Achan's single act of stealing a garment and some silver brought disaster not just to him, but to the entire nation of Israel. How can one person's sin affect so many?
The 'Accursed Thing' That Corrupts
Achan's sin wasn't just personal theft; it was taking something that God had declared 'devoted' or 'accursed' – meaning it was set apart for destruction as part of God's judgment on Jericho.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that sin, especially hidden sin, doesn't stay contained. It has ripple effects.
Understand the original words
ben · Hebrew Noun
A term of familial relationship or endearment, often used by a leader or superior to address someone under their authority or a younger person, implying a relational appeal for truthfulness and repentance.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
To ascribe honor, importance, and reverence to God, acknowledging His holiness, sovereignty, and supreme nature, especially in the context of confessing the truth.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew word used to refer to the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God, the personal name by which He revealed Himself to Israel.
todah · Hebrew Noun
An expression of gratitude, honor, and confession directed toward God, acknowledging His character and works, often associated with the act of revealing hidden truth to Him.
This verse captures the pivotal moment of confession after Achan's sin led to disaster. Joshua's plea for Achan to 'give glory to God' highlights that true confession isn't just admitting guilt to men, but acknowledging God's omniscience and justice, ultimately leading to reconciliation with Him.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Jericho
After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites under Joshua conquered the heavily fortified city of Jericho, following God's specific instructions.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Achan's Sin and Israel's Defeat at Ai
Achan secretly took forbidden plunder from Jericho, leading to a devastating defeat for Israel when they attacked Ai.
c. 1406 BC
Discovery of Achan's Sin by Lot
God revealed that sin was among the Israelites, and the lot fell upon Achan, identifying him as the transgressor.
c. 1406 BC
Achan's Confession and Judgment
Confronted by Joshua, Achan confessed his sin. He and his family, along with the stolen goods, were judged and executed in the Valley of Achor.
c. 1406 BC
Re-conquest of Ai
Following the purging of sin, Israel successfully conquered the city of Ai.
This passage uses the same phrase 'give glory to the Lord' when the Philistines are returning the Ark and urging the Israelites to acknowledge God's power and judgment to avoid further disaster.
John 9:24Here, the Pharisees demand that the formerly blind man 'give glory to God' by confessing Jesus' identity, showing this was a recognized way to compel a truthful, God-honoring confession.
Ezra 10:11This verse calls for the people to confess their sin and 'separate themselves from the peoples of the land' and 'give glory to God,' linking confession with purification and acknowledging God's sovereignty.
Proverbs 28:13This proverb directly states, 'Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them obtains mercy,' highlighting the consequence of hiding sin versus the blessing of confessing it, as Joshua urged Achan.
calvinJoshua 7:19-26: "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."
When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
Vidi inter spolia pallium, Babylon…
clarkeJoshua 7:19: "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."
My son, give - glory to the Lord God - The person being now detected, Joshua wishes him to acknowledge the omniscience of God, and confess his crime. And doubtless this was designed, not only for the edification of the people, and a vindication of the righteous judgment of God, but in reference to his own s…
Joshua urges Achan to "give glory to God" not just by confessing, but by acknowledging God's all-knowing justice that has already uncovered the hidden sin. This reveals that true confession isn't just admitting guilt, but a profound recognition of God's perfect knowledge and righteous judgment.
After the devastating defeat at Ai, where Israel suffered significant losses, Joshua and the people realized that God's presence had withdrawn because of sin within the camp. Following God's instruction, Joshua used the lot to identify the guilty party, which pointed directly to Achan. Now, Joshua confronts Achan, urging him to confess his sin openly, which involves admitting to taking forbidden plunder from Jericho.
After the devastating defeat at Ai, where Israel suffered significant losses, Joshua and the people realized that God's presence had withdrawn because of sin within the camp. Following God's instruction, Joshua used the lot to identify the guilty party, which pointed directly to Achan. Now, Joshua confronts Achan, urging him to confess his sin openly, which involves admitting to taking forbidden plunder from Jericho.
"Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”" — Joshua urges Achan to "give glory to God" not just by confessing, but by acknowledging God's all-knowing justice that has already uncovered the hidden sin. This reveals that true confession isn't jus…
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Last reviewed October 2026