In the book of Joshua, there is a harsh story about Achan, who steals taboo property and is killed for it. The plain meaning of the text seems to imply that the sin also extended somehow to his whole family and all of Israel. The rabbis comment on the two words: 'Israel sinned' to show a beautiful lesson about mercy.
"Israel sinned." (Joshua 7:11). Rabbi Abba the son of Zavda said, "Even though they sinned, they [nontheless have the status of being called] 'Israel.' (The commentator Rashi explains, 'As Scripture does not say 'The nation' but rather 'Israel', this shows that Israel retained its holiness.) Rabbi Abba said, "This idea is also implied by the popular saying, 'Myrtle, even among thorns, is still myrtle and called myrtle.'"
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