1 But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.
2 Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the land.” And the men went up and spied out Ai.
3 And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for they are few.”
4 So about three thousand men went up there from the people. And they fled before the men of Ai,
5 And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men of them and chased them before the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them at the descent. And the hearts of the people melted and became as water.
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening, he and the elders of Israel. And they put dust on their heads.
7 And Joshua said, “Alas, O Lord God, why have you brought this people over the Jordan at all, to give us into the hands of the Amorites, to destroy us? Would that we had been content to dwell beyond the Jordan!
8 O Lord, what can I say, when Israel has turned their backs before their enemies!
9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it and will surround us and cut off our name from the earth. And what will you do for your great name?”
10 The Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?
11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings.
12 Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction.
13 Up, consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the Lord, God of Israel, “There are devoted things in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted things from among you.”
14 In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes. And the tribe that the Lord takes by lot shall come near by clans. And the clan that the Lord takes shall come near by households. And the household that the Lord takes shall come near man by man.
15 And whoever is taken with the devoted things shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and because he has done an outrageous thing in Israel.’”
16 So Joshua rose early in the morning and brought Israel near tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was taken.
17 And he brought near the clans of Judah, and the clan of the Zerahites was taken. And he brought near the clan of the Zerahites man by man, and Zabdi was taken.
18 And he brought near his household man by man, and Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.
19 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
20 And Achan answered Joshua, “Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did:
21 when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was hidden in his tent with the silver underneath.
23 Then they brought those men near to Joshua, and Joshua summoned the men and said to them, “Why did you deceive us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you dwell among us?
24 And Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver and the cloak and the bar of gold, and his sons and daughters, and his oxen and donkeys and sheep, and his tent and all that he had. And they brought them up to the Valley of Achor.
25 And Joshua said, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him with stones. They burned them with fire and stoned them with stones.
26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his burning anger. Therefore, to this day the name of that place is called the Valley of Achor.
The True Meaning of Joshua 7
This chapter of the Book of Joshua recounts a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. The author, believed to be Joshua himself, provides a firsthand account of the events that unfolded after the Israelites’ initial victory at Jericho. An unexpected defeat shook the confidence of the Israelites as they prepared to take the city of Ai, threatening to undermine their entire mission. The chapter delves into the reasons behind this setback, revealing the consequences of sin within the community and the importance of obedience to God’s commands.
The passage also highlights the role of leadership and the need for discernment, as Joshua and the elders sought to understand the cause of their defeat and take appropriate action. This event serves as a stark reminder that the Israelites’ success was not guaranteed, but rather depended on their faithfulness to God and their adherence to His instructions.
Throughout the chapter, we see echoes of earlier biblical narratives, such as the story of Achan’s sin and its impact on the community, which resonates with the account of Ananias and Sapphira in the Book of Acts. These parallels underscore the timeless principles of obedience, accountability, and the consequences of sin, which continue to be relevant for believers today.
Joshua 7:1-5
Verse 1 of Joshua 7 sets the stage by mentioning the Israelites had just experienced a great victory in Jericho. They had seen the walls of Jericho miraculously collapse after following God’s instructions. This victory filled them with confidence and zeal as they moved forward in their conquest of the promised land. The mention of Jericho can be seen as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises to His people. It also serves to highlight the importance of obedience to God’s commands, as the success at Jericho was a direct result of the Israelites following God’s unconventional plan without question. A stark shift from the triumph at Jericho to the defeat at Ai is seen in verse 2. This defeat is in stark contrast to the miraculous victory they had just experienced. The Israelites’ confidence turns to fear and confusion as they are unable to understand why they could not conquer Ai easily like Jericho. The mention of Ai, a smaller and seemingly insignificant city compared to Jericho, may symbolize the dangers of underestimating any challenge, regardless of its size. It serves as a cautionary tale against pride and complacency, reminding us that even the smallest of sins or disobediences can have significant consequences.
Verse 3 describes the emotional response of the Israelites to their defeat at Ai. They are filled with fear and despair, with their confidence shattered. This reaction highlights the importance of humility and reliance on God in times of failure or defeat. It serves as a reminder that our strength and abilities are limited, but God’s power is limitless. The Israelites’ response also emphasizes the impact that sin and disobedience can have on our relationship with God and our overall success. Joshua’s reaction to the defeat at Ai is seen in verses 4 and 5. He tears his clothes and falls facedown before the ark of the Lord along with the elders of Israel. This act of mourning and seeking God’s guidance in the face of failure demonstrates Joshua’s humility and his recognition of the need for divine intervention. It also shows his willingness to take responsibility for the defeat and seek God’s forgiveness and direction. This response of humility and seeking God’s guidance in times of trouble is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Time and time again, we see that those who humble themselves before God are exalted, while those who rely on their own strength or wisdom are humbled. These verses from Joshua 7 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience, humility, and reliance on God in the face of both victory and defeat. They show us the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as the necessity of seeking God’s guidance in all circumstances. Through the story of the defeat at Ai, we are reminded of the timeless message that true success comes not from our own strength or abilities, but from our obedience to and dependence on God.
Joshua 7:6-9
Joshua tears his clothes and falls facedown before the ark of the Lord until evening in Joshua 7:6-9. This reaction by Joshua signifies his deep distress and sorrow upon learning that the Israelites had been defeated at Ai. Tearing of clothes was commonly a sign of intense grief or repentance in the Bible, and falling facedown was an act of humility and submission before the Lord. This reaction by Joshua shows his recognition of God’s sovereignty and his desire to seek guidance and help from Him in the face of this unexpected defeat. Joshua expresses his concern about the consequences of the defeat on the reputation of the Israelites among their enemies in the following verses. He questions God about why He brought the Israelites across the Jordan only to deliver them into the hands of the Amorites. Joshua’s questioning reveals his confusion and frustration at the turn of events, as he had expected God’s favor and protection in their conquest of the promised land.
This passage conveys an important message about the consequences of sin and disobedience. The defeat at Ai was a result of Achan’s disobedience in taking forbidden items from Jericho, which had brought God’s anger upon the entire Israelite camp. This event highlights the principle of corporate responsibility within the community of believers. Achan’s sin had far-reaching consequences, affecting the success of the entire nation in their conquest of the promised land. This serves as a reminder that individual actions can have an impact on the collective group, and that sin within the community must be addressed and dealt with promptly to prevent further harm. The story of Achan’s sin and its consequences in Joshua 7 serves as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands in the larger biblical context. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of how sin can hinder God’s plans for His people and lead to their downfall. The story of Achan underscores the need for repentance, confession, and obedience to God’s laws to experience His blessings and protection. God’s justice demands that sin be dealt with and that His people live in righteousness and holiness to receive His favor and guidance in their lives, as seen in this passage.
Joshua 7:10-15
Several crucial sections in Joshua 7:10-15 provide insight into the unfolding events in the book of Joshua. The passage begins with Joshua expressing distress and lamenting before the Lord, questioning why the Israelites were defeated by the people of Ai. Joshua’s reaction highlights his deep sense of responsibility as the leader of the Israelites and his immediate turn to seek guidance from God in times of trouble. This serves as a powerful example of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in moments of difficulty or confusion.
The mention of the defeat at Ai refers to the events in Joshua 7 where the Israelites, after their victory at Jericho, suffered a setback at Ai due to the sin of Achan. Achan had disobeyed God’s command by taking plunder from Jericho, causing the Israelites to lose the subsequent battle at Ai. This incident underscores the concept of corporate responsibility and the far-reaching consequences of individual sin within the community. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands, as disobedience can lead to failure and defeat.
Joshua’s plea to the Lord in verses 10-15 showcases his humility and recognition of God’s sovereignty. He acknowledges God’s holiness and righteousness, highlighting his faith in God’s justice and wisdom. Joshua’s prayer also reflects a deep sense of repentance and contrition on behalf of the Israelites, recognizing the severity of their sin and the need for God’s forgiveness and guidance. This aspect underscores the biblical theme of repentance and the restoration of a relationship with God through sincere confession and humility. God reveals the presence of sin in the camp and instructs Joshua to deal with it swiftly in response to Joshua’s prayer. This revelation serves as a demonstration of God’s holiness and the necessity of addressing sin within the community to restore harmony and favor with God. The identification and punishment of sin within the Israelite camp underscores the importance of maintaining purity and obedience before God, as He cannot bless or prosper a people living in disobedience.
The mention of the accursed thing in verse 13 refers to the stolen items that Achan had taken from Jericho, which had brought a curse upon the Israelites. This concept of the accursed thing symbolizes the presence of sin and disobedience within the community that hinders God’s blessings and protection. The removal of the accursed thing through the judgment of Achan serves as a tangible illustration of the consequences of sin and the necessity of dealing with it decisively to restore God’s favor and presence among His people. Joshua 7:10-15 offers profound lessons on the importance of seeking God’s guidance, the consequences of sin within the community, the significance of repentance and humility, and the necessity of addressing sin to restore fellowship with God. These timeless messages serve as a reminder of the need for obedience, faithfulness, and sincerity in our relationship with God, as well as the repercussions of straying from His commands. Joshua’s response to the revelation of sin in the camp sets a powerful example of leadership, humility, and reliance on God’s wisdom and justice in times of crisis.
Joshua 7:16-21
The aftermath of the defeat of the Israelites at the hands of the people of Ai is seen in Joshua 7:16-21. Achan, one of the Israelites, had disobeyed God’s command by taking some of the devoted things for himself. This disobedience resulted in the entire nation suffering the consequences of his actions. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of individual sin on the community.
When Achan’s sin is revealed, he confesses to Joshua and acknowledges his wrongdoing. This act of confession is significant as it shows that Achan takes responsibility for his actions. It also highlights the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed, as stated in James 5:16. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
The story of Achan and the defeat at Ai teaches us about the seriousness of sin and how it can have far-reaching consequences. Just as Achan’s actions affected the whole community, our sins can impact those around us as well. It emphasizes the need for accountability and integrity in our actions. Proverbs 28:13 reminds us, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. This story ultimately points to the importance of obedience to God’s commands. When we choose to follow our own desires instead of God’s instructions, we not only risk our own relationship with Him but may also cause harm to others. It underscores the need for humility, obedience, and the understanding that our actions have consequences that can impact not only ourselves but those around us as well.
Joshua 7:22-26
The Israelites conquered the city of Jericho under Joshua’s leadership, marking a pivotal moment in their narrative, as seen in Joshua 7:22-26. We encounter the aftermath of Achan’s sin and its consequences for the Israelite camp in this passage. Achan had disobeyed God’s command by taking some of the devoted things from Jericho for himself, going against the ban that was placed on such items.
The story of Achan serves as a stark reminder of the importance of obedience and the severe consequences of disobedience in the eyes of God. Achan’s actions led to the defeat of the Israelites in the subsequent battle of Ai, demonstrating that sin not only affects the individual but also the community as a whole. This incident highlights the principle that disobedience and sin have consequences, and they can hinder the blessings and protection of God upon His people.
Achan’s sin was eventually uncovered through the process of casting lots, a method used to determine guilt in ancient Israel. The lot fell on Achan, and he confessed to his wrongdoing. His confession was not able to erase the consequences of his sin, however. Achan, along with his family and possessions, faced the punishment for his disobedience. They were stoned and burned, and a heap of stones was raised over them as a memorial to this event.
This story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of honesty, integrity, and obedience in the eyes of God. It emphasizes the need for repentance and the seriousness of sin in the sight of a holy God. The actions of Achan and the consequences he faced remind us of the need to deal with sin decisively and the importance of maintaining purity and faithfulness in our relationship with God.
The incident involving Achan also highlights the principle of corporate responsibility within the community of believers. The sin of one individual had far-reaching consequences for the entire nation of Israel. This underscores the interconnectedness of the people of God and the need for accountability and holiness within the community. The apostle Paul warns against the leaven of sin spreading within the church in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 and emphasizes the importance of dealing with sin decisively to maintain the purity of the body of Christ.
After Joshua 7
The Israelites had suffered a devastating defeat at Ai, and the people were disheartened. But the Lord revealed to Joshua that the defeat was due to sin within the camp. Achan had taken forbidden spoils from Jericho, and his actions had brought judgment upon the entire nation. Joshua and the elders discovered Achan’s transgression as they sought the Lord’s guidance. Achan confessed his sin, and he and his family were stoned to death as punishment. The Israelites then purified the camp and prepared to face Ai once more.
Yet, even in the midst of this sobering event, we must remember that the Lord’s mercy and grace are ever-present. Though sin has consequences, the Lord is always ready to forgive and restore those who turn to Him with humble and repentant hearts. Let us guard our own hearts as we move forward, lest we too fall prey to the temptations of the world. For only then can we truly stand firm in the Lord’s strength and fulfill the purpose He has set before us.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.