Joshua 7
Joshua 7:1 – The Sin of Achan This chapter shows a sudden change in Israel’s story. Until now, Joshua and the people had obeyed God and had victory. But now, because of one person’s sin, God’s anger burned against the whole community. The Israelites’ success depended on their obedience to God, and when someone broke God’s command, it affected everyone. This passage teaches us that disobedience, even by one person, can bring trouble to many.v. 1: Achan took things from Jericho that God had said must be destroyed ( a). God had warned the people not to take any of the “accursed things” for themselves ( b). Achan’s sin was greed, which can be very tempting. But God’s recent blessings and the holy ceremonies they just celebrated helped most of Israel resist this temptation. Even though only one man sinned, the whole community was blamed because Achan was still part of them. This shows how one person’s sin can affect everyone. We should be careful not to join with sinners, because their actions can bring problems for us, too ( c). v. 2-3: Joshua sent spies to scout the city of Ai. The spies said it was a small city and suggested sending only a few soldiers ( d). This may have shown over-confidence or a desire to avoid hard work. The people may also have been less eager to fight because they were not allowed to take plunder from Jericho. Underestimating the enemy can lead to defeat. In our spiritual lives, we must not take our struggles lightly, because we face strong spiritual enemies. – v. 4-5: The small Israelite army attacked Ai, but they were defeated and had to run away. About thirty-six men were killed ( e). This surprised Israel, who thought God would always give them victory. The defeat taught them to be humble and showed them that God was displeased with them. Sometimes God allows setbacks to humble us and call us to get rid of sin. The defeat made the whole camp afraid and discouraged. They wondered how God’s promise to drive out the Canaanites could come true now ( f). When God is against us because of sin, even small enemies can defeat us. True believers are troubled when they know God is angry. – – – – Joshua 7:10 – God’s Answer About Israel’s Defeat In this passage, God responds to Joshua’s prayer and mourning after Israel’s unexpected defeat at Ai. God explains the true reason for the defeat and tells Joshua what to do next. The Lord teaches Joshua that secret sin in the camp is the cause of their trouble, not a failure of God’s promise or power. God gives instructions for how to deal with the sin so that Israel can be restored and continue to receive His blessing.v. 10: God tells Joshua to get up and not to remain in a state of deep sadness ( g). While it was good for Joshua to humble himself, God does not want him to stay there too long. Joshua has work to do—he must now find and remove the sin from among the people. There is a time for mourning, but also a time for action (; h; ; i; j). v. 11: God explains that Israel has sinned by breaking His covenant. Even though only one person sinned, the whole community is affected until the guilty one is found and the sin is confessed. God lists the ways Israel sinned: they took what was forbidden, stole, tried to hide it, and pretended innocence. God knows all secrets, even when leaders do not. God does not immediately reveal the guilty person, giving time for the sinner to confess and repent (; k). v. 12: God makes it clear that this is the only reason for His anger. If the sin is not removed, God will no longer be with Israel. When we hold on to sin and do not repent, we lose God’s blessing and protection. Sin separates people from God and must be dealt with seriously. v. 13: God tells Joshua to sanctify the people and have them prepare for God’s examination ( l). Everyone must get ready to meet God, examine themselves, and be willing to be searched. The innocent must be able to prove their innocence, and all must be careful to stay pure. Sometimes the sin of one person can lead to a greater desire for holiness in others ( m). v. 14: God describes how to find the guilty person—by using lots to choose the tribe, family, household, and finally the individual ( n). God controls the outcome, so the right person will be found. This process gives time for confession and shows that God is always just and fair (; o). v. 15: The person found guilty must be put to death, along with everything he owns, to remove the sin from Israel (; p). This punishment is because the sin dishonored God and hurt the whole community. The crime was robbing God and bringing trouble to His people, and it must be punished to warn everyone not to take what belongs to God. Joshua 7:16 – The Selection of the Tribe of Judah After receiving God’s instructions, Joshua began the process of finding the person who had sinned by gathering all Israel early in the morning. He brought the people forward tribe by tribe before the Lord to identify the guilty party. The tribe of Judah was chosen first, marking the start of a careful and orderly search to restore God’s favor to Israel.v. 16: Joshua rose early and assembled Israel by their tribes before the Lord ( q). The tribe of Judah was singled out as the first step in uncovering the sin. This shows Joshua’s diligence and obedience to God’s command. The process was done publicly and with reverence, involving the whole nation in seeking God’s justice. v. 17 – The Lot Narrows to AchanJoshua continues the process of discovering the guilty party by bringing forward the families of Judah. The lot falls on the Zerahites, showing that God’s judgment is precise and that no one can hide from His knowledge. Even the most honored tribe, Judah, is not exempt from discipline. This teaches us that sin can be found in any family, no matter how respected, and that God’s justice is impartial ( r). v. 18: The search becomes even more specific, moving from the Zerahites to the household of Zabdi, and finally to Achan himself. Despite seeing the lot come closer and closer, Achan does not confess or flee, showing how sin can harden the heart and blind the conscience. God’s methodical process gives opportunity for repentance, but Achan remains silent until he is exposed. This reminds us that secret sins will eventually be revealed ( s). v. 19: Joshua addresses Achan with kindness, calling him “my son” and urging him to give glory to God by confessing the truth. Even when someone has sinned greatly, leaders should show compassion and seek their repentance, not just their punishment. Confession honors God’s justice and acknowledges His omniscience. Joshua’s approach teaches us to deal with offenders in a spirit of meekness ( t). v. 20: Achan finally confesses, saying, “Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel.” He does not try to excuse or minimize his actions. True confession means taking full responsibility and recognizing that all sin is ultimately against God. This is the first step toward restoration, even when consequences remain ( u). v. 21 – The Pattern of Temptation and Sin Achan describes how he saw a beautiful Babylonian garment, silver, and gold, coveted them, took them, and hid them in his tent. This follows the same pattern as Eve in the garden: seeing, desiring, taking, and hiding ( v). Sin often begins with the eyes and grows in the heart before it leads to action. Covetousness is dangerous because it can lead to greater sins and bring trouble to many. Achan’s confession is detailed, showing true repentance and making restitution possible. v. 22: Joshua sends messengers who run to Achan’s tent and find the stolen items hidden just as he said. Their eagerness shows how important it is to remove sin quickly from the community. The discovery of the evidence confirms Achan’s guilt and God’s perfect knowledge. Nothing can be hidden from the Lord ( w). v. 23: The stolen goods are brought out and laid before Joshua, all Israel, and the LORD. This public display serves as a warning to everyone about the seriousness of disobeying God’s commands. It also acknowledges that what was stolen truly belonged to God. When sin is exposed and dealt with openly, it brings fear and respect for God’s holiness ( x). v. 24: Joshua, with all Israel, brings Achan, his family, and all his possessions to the Valley of Achor. The inclusion of his family and goods shows the far-reaching effects of sin. In ancient Israel, families shared in both blessings and judgments, especially when they were involved in or aware of the sin. This teaches us that our actions can affect those closest to us ( y). v. 25: Joshua declares, “Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day.” Achan and all that he has are stoned and then burned. This severe punishment shows how seriously God views sin, especially when it brings trouble to the whole community. The Valley of Achor (“trouble”) becomes a lasting reminder of the consequences of disobedience. God’s justice is not only for the individual but for the good of the whole people ( z). v. 26: A great heap of stones is raised over Achan as a memorial, and God’s anger is turned away from Israel. The place is named the Valley of Achor, serving as a warning for future generations. When sin is confessed and removed, God’s favor can return. Even places of judgment can become doors of hope when repentance is sincere ( aa).
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