The Sin of Achan

Israel just conquered Jericho in a military campaign when they crossed the Jordan River. They were instructed by Joshua not to take in any of the accursed things from Jericho for it was appointed for destruction (Joshua 6:18). One of the soldiers named Achan decided to disobey the Lord's command and steal a little spoil for himself which provoked the Lord to anger against Israel (Joshua 7:2). The result of this blatant disobedience is that Israel was defeated by men in a town by the name of Ai. Even worse, about thirty-six men were killed in battle as the troops fled from their much smaller foes. 

Joshua and all the leaders tore their clothes (in distress) and fell on their face before the Lord. Joshua inquired of the Lord as to why this happened to them. Joshua is afraid that all of their enemies will hear how they were defeated and wipe them out. Joshua asks the Lord, "What will you do for your great name (Joshua 7:9)?" The Lord told Joshua to get up! Israel has sinned by taking those things that were accursed. God was so angry that He told Joshua that I will not be with you anymore unless  you destroy the things under the ban from your midst (Joshua 7:12). 

The next day it is discovered that Achan is the perpetrator. He admits to stealing a Babylonian coat, a gold bar and some silver. The gold and silver was supposed to be for the Lord's treasury. The tragic result of Achan's sin is that he and his family are stoned to death and cremated (Joshua 7:25-26).

Some perhaps many will read this story and wonder if God's judgment on Achan was too severe. After all he did confess his sin. Why did he and his family have to die? I want to analyze a few things.

1. Achan disobeyed a direct command from the Lord through Joshua - 7:1

2.He stole from the Lord; the silver, gold, that was for the Lord's treasury - 7:21

3.His disobedience led to the death of about thirty-six innocent soldiers when they were defeated and fled in the battle at Ai. This defeat also caused the people hearts to melt with fear. For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) - 7:5

4. Achan was never going to confess his sin until he was confronted about it. Meaning had he got away with it, he would not have said anything at all - 7:21

5. Achan's disobedience got he and his family killed - 7:25-26

Fortunately for the nation Israel  God revealed who the traitor was. It was the only way God would turn away His anger and fight for them again. Afterward, they were able to defeat the city of Ai (Joshua 8). But they had to remove the sin first.

We clearly see how one person's sin can be the ruin of so many others. Although one man committed the sin, God was angry with the entire nation. Why? Because God was in covenant relationship to them all. One man's sin broke that covenant which brought about defeat, fear, death of about thirty-six innocent soldiers and ultimately Achan's death along with his family who some commentators believe were complicit in Achan's rebellion.