What was Babylonish?
The term “Babylonish” refers specifically to a Babylonish garment (Hebrew: “addereth shinar”, אַדֶּרֶת שִׁנְעָר), which appears in Joshua 7:21. This phrase describes a richly ornate robe or cloak made in the region of Shinar, which is another name for Babylonia. It is associated with wealth, beauty, and luxury typical of the sophisticated Babylonian culture, but in this context, it symbolizes worldliness, covetousness, and disobedience to God.
The Babylonish garment became notorious because of its role in the sin of Achan, who took it from the spoils of Jericho in direct violation of God’s command to devote everything in the city to destruction (Joshua 6:17-19; 7:1). The presence of this item in Achan’s tent led to Israel’s defeat at Ai and the judgment of God upon the entire nation until the sin was addressed.
Biblical References
- Joshua 7:1 – Achan’s sin in taking devoted things.
- Joshua 7:21 – Achan confesses: “I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonish garment… and I coveted them.”
- Joshua 7:24-26 – Achan and all he possessed were destroyed in the Valley of Achor.
- Genesis 11:2 – Shinar (Babylonia) is mentioned as the plain where the Tower of Babel was built.
- Isaiah 13; Revelation 17-18 – Later symbolic uses of Babylon as a center of world rebellion and spiritual adultery.
What Happened in the Bible?
After the miraculous fall of Jericho, God commanded Israel not to take any of the spoils for personal use. Everything was either to be destroyed or consecrated to the Lord. However, Achan disobeyed this order. He saw and coveted a Babylonish garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold. He took them and hid them in his tent (Joshua 7:21).
As a result of this hidden sin, Israel was defeated in their next battle at Ai. God revealed to Joshua that someone in the camp had violated the covenant, bringing Israel under a curse. Through a process of divine selection, Achan was identified, confessed his sin, and was executed along with his family.
The Babylonish garment is the first item Achan mentions in his confession, underscoring its appeal and symbolic role in his downfall. Though it may have been beautiful, it represented rebellion against God‘s holiness and commands.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
The Babylonish garment serves as a powerful metaphor for worldly temptation—the desire for material things that may appear attractive but are forbidden by God. Achan‘s story teaches that no sin is hidden from God, and that personal sin can bring corporate consequences.
For the believer, this account is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of obedience, the danger of covetousness, and the destructiveness of secret sin. While the Babylonish garment seemed like a prize, it became a curse because it was acquired in rebellion.
In the New Testament, believers are urged to put off the old self and clothe themselves with Christ (Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:12). The Babylonish garment, therefore, can also symbolize the trappings of the old life that must be forsaken for holiness and devotion to God.
How This Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Achan‘s sin and punishment show the justice and holiness of God, but also set the stage for understanding the necessity of a mediator and atonement. In contrast to Achan, who hid sin and brought death to his family, Jesus bore our sins openly and brought life through His death.
The Babylonish garment represents what we all, in our sin, wrongly desire—the things of the world that cannot save us. Jesus Christ came not only to forgive our sins but to clothe us in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Where Achan took what was not his and died, Jesus gave up what was rightfully His and died so that we might live.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. The Deceitfulness of Sin
- Sin often appears attractive, like the Babylonish garment, but leads to destruction (Hebrews 3:13).
2. The Seriousness of God’s Commands
3. Corporate Consequences of Individual Sin
- Achan‘s sin affected the whole nation, echoing the truth that sin is never isolated.
4. Judgment and Mercy
- God’s justice demanded judgment on sin, but His overall plan moves toward mercy and redemption through Jesus.
5. Contrast Between the World and God’s Kingdom
- Babylon, from Genesis to Revelation, symbolizes the rebellion of the world. God‘s people are called to live set apart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some “Babylonish garments” that Christians are tempted by today?
- In what areas might I be hiding sin, hoping it remains unseen?
- How does Achan’s story challenge me to take holiness seriously in both my personal and church life?
- Am I more captivated by the treasures of the world or by the righteousness of Christ?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give me hope and freedom from the power of sin?
The story of the Babylonish garment is not just about an old robe—it is about the human heart, the pull of the world, and the deadly nature of sin. It calls us to holiness, to transparency before God, and to find our true covering in Jesus Christ.