How does the story of Achan in Joshua 7:18 warn against hidden sin? Setting the Scene Joshua 7 opens after Israel’s stunning victory at Jericho. God had commanded that everything in Jericho be devoted to destruction or placed in His treasury (Joshua 6:18–19). One man, Achan, secretly kept some of the forbidden plunder. Joshua 7:18 pinpoints his exposure: “Then he brought forward the clan of the Zerahites, and Zabdi was selected. Joshua brought forward the family of Zabdi man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected.” Hidden Sin Brings Immediate Consequences • Israel’s army loses to Ai (Joshua 7:4-5). • Thirty-six men die; courage melts. • God declares, “Israel has sinned; they have violated My covenant… they have taken some of the devoted things” (Joshua 7:11). Sin Cannot Be Isolated • Achan’s private act becomes a national crisis. • One man’s theft breaks covenant with God (Joshua 7:15). • Like yeast working through dough (1 Corinthians 5:6-7), hidden sin affects the entire community. God Sees What We Conceal • Lots are cast tribe-by-tribe until Achan is singled out (Joshua 7:16-18). • Proverbs 15:3: “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.” • Hebrews 4:13 reiterates: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” The High Cost of Cover-Up • Achan confesses only when cornered (Joshua 7:20-21). • He, his family, and possessions are destroyed in the Valley of Achor (Joshua 7:24-26). • The place becomes a somber landmark; yet Hosea 2:15 later speaks of God transforming that “Valley of Trouble” into a gateway of hope—showing judgment and mercy in balance. God’s Remedy for Hidden Sin • Exposure—God brings darkness into light (Ephesians 5:11-13). • Confession—admit wrongdoing (Psalm 32:5). • Removal—decisive action against the sin itself (Colossians 3:5). • Restoration—God turns defeat to victory once sin is addressed; Israel conquers Ai in the very next chapter (Joshua 8:1-29). Practical Takeaways • Do not underestimate “small” compromises; they can derail entire households, churches, or nations. • Hidden sin silences prayer and hinders blessing (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:2). • God’s faithfulness includes discipline for our good (Hebrews 12:5-11). • Maintain ongoing self-examination in light of Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24; 2 Corinthians 13:5). • Swift, humble repentance restores fellowship and clears the path for future victories (1 John 1:9). |
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