What is the meaning of Joshua 7:26?

They heaped over Achan a large pile of rocks that remains to this day

“And they raised over him a large pile of stones that remains to this day” (Joshua 7:26a).

• The execution of Achan (Joshua 7:24-25) was carried out publicly with stones, just as Deuteronomy 13:10 prescribes for covenant-breakers.

• Piles of stones often mark decisive moments in Israel’s story—memorials of deliverance (Joshua 4:7), victories (Joshua 8:29), or judgment (2 Samuel 18:17). Here the stones preach that hidden sin always surfaces (Numbers 32:23).

• The phrase “that remains to this day” roots the account in real history; the writer’s contemporaries could still see the mound.

• For every passer-by the heap said, “Sin costs life” (Romans 6:23) and “God disciplines His people” (Hebrews 12:6-11).

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So the LORD turned from His burning anger

“So the LORD turned from His burning anger” (Joshua 7:26b).

• God’s wrath against Israel’s entire camp (Joshua 7:1,12) subsides only when the sin is exposed and judged—echoing Numbers 25:10-13 and Psalm 85:3.

• The pattern runs through Scripture:

– Offense → Wrath (2 Samuel 24:1-14)

– Atonement → Mercy (2 Samuel 24:25)

• Achan’s death points forward to the greater Substitute who would bear wrath once for all (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 10:12).

• Cleansed, Israel is free to advance again (Joshua 8:1); fellowship is restored (1 John 1:9).

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Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achor to this day

“Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achor to this day” (Joshua 7:26c).

• “Achor” sounds like the Hebrew word for “trouble.” Joshua’s question in verse 25—“Why have you brought this trouble on us?”—becomes the valley’s name.

• The name warns every generation that sin breeds trouble (Proverbs 13:15) but also hints at hope; Hosea 2:15 foretells that God will make “the Valley of Achor a door of hope.” Judgment is not His last word (Isaiah 65:10).

• The site lies near Jericho, reminding Israel on the eve of conquest that victory hinges on holiness (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

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summary

Joshua 7:26 seals the Achan episode with three lasting lessons: a visible memorial of sin’s cost, the assurance that God’s wrath turns when sin is dealt with, and a place-name that warns yet promises hope. Stones, wrath turned, and a valley called Trouble all converge to urge believers toward transparent obedience, grateful for the perfect Substitute who forever removes wrath and opens the door of hope.