What can we learn about God's holiness from Achan's actions in Joshua 7:20? Setting the Scene: Israel at Ai • After the triumph at Jericho, Israel was commanded to devote everything in that city to the LORD (Joshua 6:17–18). • Achan secretly kept some of the banned treasure, and Israel’s next battle at Ai ended in defeat (Joshua 7:1–5). • When Joshua sought the LORD, God revealed that sin in the camp had violated His covenant holiness (Joshua 7:10–12). The Sin Exposed: Joshua 7:20 “And Achan answered Joshua, ‘It is true. I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did.’” Lessons on God’s Holiness • God’s holiness is uncompromising – “Be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). – Any breach, however private, is intolerable to Him (Habakkuk 1:13). • Holiness demands complete obedience – God had clearly forbidden keeping spoils; partial obedience still equals disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22). • Holiness exposes hidden sin – The LORD directed lots to fall on Achan’s family, proving that nothing remains concealed before Him (Psalm 139:11–12). • Holiness brings corporate accountability – Israel’s army suffered because one man violated God’s command (Joshua 7:5,12). – The community of God must guard one another against sin (Hebrews 3:13). • Holiness necessitates judgment – Achan, his family, and possessions were destroyed to remove defilement from Israel (Joshua 7:24–26). – Parallel warnings appear in Acts 5:1–11 with Ananias and Sapphira. • Holiness and mercy intersect in covenant faithfulness – Once judgment occurred, “the LORD turned from His burning anger” (Joshua 7:26). – God’s discipline restores fellowship, prefiguring Christ who bore judgment for believers (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Living in Light of His Holiness • Cultivate reverent fear: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). • Confess promptly: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). • Pursue communal purity: encourage, admonish, and restore one another gently (Galatians 6:1). • Embrace grace-fueled obedience: “Like the Holy One who called you, be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15–16). |
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