What lessons on obedience can we learn from Achan's actions in Joshua 7:1? Setting the Scene Joshua 7:1 — “But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was devoted to destruction. And the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites.” The Command That Made Disobedience Clear • In Joshua 6:17-19 God had plainly ordered that everything in Jericho be destroyed or placed in the treasury of the LORD. • The command was public, precise, and unmistakable—no room for personal interpretation. What Achan Actually Did • He saw, coveted, took, and hid (Joshua 7:20-21). • His private act carried national consequences: Israel’s defeat at Ai (7:5) and the loss of thirty-six soldiers. Lessons on Obedience • God’s instructions are non-negotiable. – Deuteronomy 5:32 “So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.” • Personal sin never stays personal. – 1 Corinthians 12:26 highlights the interconnectedness of God’s people: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” • Hidden disobedience invites divine discipline. – Numbers 32:23 “…be sure your sin will find you out.” • Partial obedience equals disobedience. – King Saul learned the same lesson in 1 Samuel 15:22-23. • Obedience stems from trust in God’s provision. – Achan grasped for what God had promised to supply in due time; see Philippians 4:19. Personal Application • Keep a tender conscience—deal immediately with the “small” compromises. • Remember that every act of obedience—or disobedience—affects family, church, and community. • Treat God’s Word as final authority rather than negotiable advice. • Cultivate contentment; material desire is often the doorway to disobedience (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Supporting Scriptures for Further Study • Psalm 119:60 — Haste in obedience • John 14:15 — Love expressed through obedience • James 1:22-25 — Blessing tied to doing, not just hearing |
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