Joshua 7:1

Committed a trespass. From the Heb. ma‘al ma‘al, literally, “trespassed a trespass.” The verb is generally translated “committed” when followed by its cognate noun, but originally it meant “to cover,” as is apparent from the derived noun me‘il, “garment.” Thus the word means “to act underhandedly,” “to act treacherously,” and with its noun, “to commit a treacherous act.” It is noteworthy that all Israel is considered guilty because of the transgression of one of its members. Even though the sin was not known, Israel as a nation was held accountable, and God’s blessing withheld from them. We see an example of such corporate responsibility in the intercourse of nations. A whole nation is held accountable for the words and acts of its ambassador. If he should insult another nation, the whole nation is held accountable until such a time as reparation is made. In like manner offenders in a church may hinder the divine blessing upon that church (see 4T 68; 6T 371). If the church fails to take appropriate action when sin is known, the church then becomes a partaker in that sin. However, this does not necessarily imply personal guilt upon each of the members as individuals (yet see 3T 266).