Joshua 7:12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except you destroy the accursed from among you.
In studying the ramifications of this incident, within the context of current events we became startled as we read the exposition on the matter. When a dear leader digs in his or her heels in deliberate sin, and when there is no hint of repentance, or a change of heart, those folks under their jurisdiction may suffer, some more, some less. Thus, now, more than ever before, we need to pray, for we cannot afford to make the same mistake that Joshua made, in doing this or that without seeking direction and clearance from The Lord.
Take a good look at what is written, concerning the incident that took place as a result of the accursed thing being in the mids[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 497] For one man’s sin the displeasure of God will rest upon His church till the transgression is searched out and put away….. We didn’t have a problem with that statement, for it is to be expected in the context of the church, which has to bear the stamp and character of God, if we’re to expect God’s protecting care, and His victories to sustain us in spiritual warfare.
What gave us great pause for concern was the next statement, which moves the arena from the church, to a national or international level, for, according to the script, the accursed thing or an accursed person could also adversely affect entire nations not merely God’s people in churches…. [Signs of the Times April 21 1881 Par 17] The history of Achan teaches the solemn lesson, that for one man’s sin, the displeasure of God will rest upon a people or a nation till the transgression is searched out and punished.
Joshua 7:13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!