Joshua 7:19
“Joshua said to Achan, “My son, please give glory to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and make confession to him. Tell me now what you have done! Don’t hide it from me!””
What does Joshua 7:19 mean?
Joshua is asking Achan to be honest about a serious wrong he's committed, and he frames it as an act of worship. By confessing, Achan would be acknowledging God's authority and truth, which is what "giving glory to God" means. Joshua isn't interested in shame or punishment for its own sake, but in clearing the air so the community can move forward and so Achan can stop hiding. There's something deeply human here: Joshua recognizes that secrets eat away at us and that confession, though difficult, is how we find integrity again. He's inviting Achan toward honesty rather than demanding it, treating him with surprising gentleness even in a moment of accountability.