Joshua — Chapter 7

Lapide: Achan's sin attributed to all Israel (synecdoche) — showing: (1) how hateful sin is to God, since one man's sin brought punishment on so many; (2) the power of good and bad company; (3) how superiors must watch over their flock lest one's sin spread by contagion through all; (4) how each member's virtue or vice is rewarded or punished by God upon the whole community. Hence Scripture so often: \"Remove the evil from among you.\"

Lapide: Joshua to Achan: \"My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and confess, and tell me what thou hast done.\" Lapide: a model of the confession of sin — the sinner is called \"my son\" with paternal tenderness; confession and acknowledgment of guilt gives glory to God whose omniscience is thereby honoured.