Carmi כַּרְמִי
Father of Achan, who stole devoted things
Who is Carmi in the Bible?
Carmi was a member of the tribe of Judah and the father of Achan, as recorded in Joshua 7:1, 18 and 1 Chronicles 2:7. He is remembered primarily through his son's disobedience, when Achan stole devoted things from Jericho that were to be dedicated to God. This act of theft brought God's anger upon the Israelites, resulting in their defeat at Ai until Joshua discovered the transgression through divine guidance. Achan was eventually executed along with his family for the sin, and Carmi's name appears in Scripture to establish the genealogical line responsible for this pivotal violation of God's command during Israel's conquest of Canaan.
Biography
Carmi, the son of Zabdi, was a member of the tribe of Judah and the father of Achan (Jos.7.1, 18; 1Ch.2.7). After the Israelites conquered Jericho, Achan took some of the devoted things from the city, which were supposed to be dedicated to God. This act of disobedience brought God's anger upon the Israelites, causing them to suffer defeat in their next battle against Ai. When Joshua sought the Lord's guidance, God revealed that someone had taken from the devoted things. Through a process of elimination, Achan was identified as the culprit. Achan confessed his sin and was punished by being stoned to death along with his family and livestock, and their remains were burned (Jos.7.19-26). Carmi's mention in this narrative serves to identify Achan's lineage and emphasize the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentJoshua 2 verses
- Joshua 7:1
"The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites."
Study Joshua → - Joshua 7:18
"And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected."
Study Joshua →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 2:7
"The son of Carmi: Achar, who brought trouble upon Israel by violating the ban on devoted things."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | כַּרְמִי |