After a series of successful events, including a miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, having a national circumcision, spending the Passover, and conquering Jericho, Israel ran into its first major failure since Joshua assumed the leadership. Let’s dig deeper into the importance of the failure highlighted in this chapter.
Summary
The LORD commanded a complete destruction of Jericho and all the things to be devoted to Him. However, Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, took some of the banned items. As a result, the LORD’s anger burned against Israel.
Oblivious of what Achan did, Joshua sent only three thousand men to conquer Ai. Without the presence of the LORD, Israel was defeated by Ai and lost thirty-six (36) lives. This defeat placed a great fear into Joshua and Israel. God the LORD, by casting lots, revealed to Israel that Achan was the culprit. As commanded by the LORD, the entire family of Achan was stoned to death and all of their remains were burned with fire. It must have been a solemn day for Israel.
Cruel Punishment?
Was this too cruel of a punishment by the LORD on Achan? If you have to imagine the death of young children and the old by thrown stones, this would be a difficult scene to witness.
First, let’s remember the initial results of Achan’s sin. Thirty six lives were lost in the battle of Ai. These casualties had brought insurmountable sorrow to at least thirty six families, which were likely to include parents, children, wives, and relatives. The death punishment on Achan, in some aspect, was to propitiate the death of the thirty six lives and all the affected people. These affected families might have been those who stoned Achan’s family to death.
Second, this event served as a reminder of a seriousness of sin to Israel. Also, this event is a great lesson for all the followers of Christ on the seriousness of sin and how God detests it. The event teaches us to never underestimate the impact a single person can make in sin. Through Adam’s trespass, many died (Romans 5:15). By taking a census on his kingdom, David committed a sin against the LORD, causing 70,000 men to perish (2 Samuel 24:15). Korah’s rebellion against God and Moses resulted in 14,700 men’s death (Numbers 16:49). These were just a few examples of a devastating, outsized consequence of one person’s sin.
Practical Advise
How do we avoid sinning as Achan did? In his confession before Joshua, Achan told him, first, he saw, second he coveted, then third, he took a mantle from Shinar and silver and gold (Joshua 7:20-21). The progression of sinning originated from seeing, then coveting, then taking. Ask God to provide His divine protection on what we see to guard our eyes and hearts all together from sinning as Achan did.
Grace of God
Joshua was spared. In any military conquest, it was not going to be unusual to hold a general accountable for the failure. Even Joshua let himself succumb to fear when Israel was defeated by Ai in their first attempt. The LORD God, however, did not hold Joshua accountable for this failure. Although Joshua prayed to God after the defeat (Joshua 7:7-9), the ideal timing for his prayer would have been before sending 3,000 men. If Joshua had prayed before sending 3,000 men, then he might have been able to save 36 lives. The LORD God spared Joshua in His grace. Also, in overall, the LORD spared the entire Israel.
Christ
We all are sinners. As sinners, we are bound to die as Achan did in Joshua 7. However, Jesus Christ took our sin on the cross. We live by His grace. Joshua chapter 7 reminds us of Christ’s grace on all of us.
Give Life 