SCRIPTURE: JOSHUA 7
ACHAN’S SIN (vs. 1-26)
Achan from the tribe of Judah took something and hid them in his tent. The Lord’s anger burned against Israel and they were defeated by Ai. Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the Lord. The Lord told him someone had sinned and violated His command by taking some of the devoted things and put them with their own possessions. God told Joshua to remove it by destroying it in fire.
So, early in the morning, Joshua summoned the tribe of Judah and had Achan’s family came forward. Achan confessed that he had stolen a beautiful robe from Babylonia, 200 shekels of silver and 50 shekels of gold hidden inside his tent. So, Joshua sent messenger to take those things from the tent. They stoned Achan and burned him together with the things. The place was called the Valley of Achor.
THOUGHTS:
RESULTS OF ACHAN’S SIN:
- Many men died (v. 5)
- Israel’s army melted in fear (v. 5b)
- Joshua questioned God (v. 7a)
- God threatened to withdraw His presence from the people (v. 12)
- Achan and his family were destroyed. (vs. 24-25)
When Joshua fight against Ai, he did not consult God and relied on the strength of his army to defeat the small city. It was only after Israel was defeated that they turned to God. Oftentimes, we also rely on our own skill and strength and consider the task easy. We go to God only when the obstacles are great. This teaches us to consult God first in order to save us from grave mistake or misjudgments.