V.1-5 There are some Christians who say that how other believers act doesn’t affect them. That each one just looks after himself. But this chapter shows that even in Old Testament times, the sin of one man affected the whole camp of Israel. See 1 Corinthians 5 for a New Testament chapter showing the same thing.
V.6-15 At first there is the blaming the Lord, and complaining about their own loss. They had not seen in themselves pride and self-pity! After having gained a great victory in the previous chapter, now today comes a defeat. Notice there was no asking God for guidance; everything seemed easy — a little town to take, so just send a little company of soldiers. Simple. Isn’t that just like us? We forget our total dependence on the Lord each day, and what a result! But then the secret of their defeat comes out.
V.11 Though in this verse it looks as if the whole lot of them had sinned; notice 5 times a similar word is used. Do you find it?
V.12-15 God is showing us all believers are “one body” (1 Cor. 12:13). Our individual behavior affects other believers.