Topical Encyclopedia Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, is a significant figure in the Old Testament narrative, particularly in the Book of Joshua. His account is a cautionary tale about disobedience to God's commands and the severe consequences that follow.Background and Context The account of Achan is found in Joshua 7. After the miraculous victory at Jericho, where the walls fell after the Israelites marched around them for seven days, God commanded the Israelites to devote the entire city to destruction. They were instructed not to take any of the spoils for themselves, as these were considered "devoted things" (Joshua 6:17-19). This command was clear: all silver, gold, and articles of bronze and iron were to be consecrated to the Lord and placed in His treasury. The Sin of Achan Despite the explicit command, Achan succumbed to temptation. He took a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, and hid them in the ground inside his tent (Joshua 7:21). This act of disobedience was not just a personal sin but a transgression against the covenant between God and Israel. Achan's sin brought guilt upon the entire nation, illustrating the communal nature of sin and its repercussions. The Consequences The immediate consequence of Achan's sin was a military defeat. When the Israelites attempted to conquer the small city of Ai, they were routed, and about thirty-six men were killed (Joshua 7:4-5). This unexpected defeat caused fear and confusion among the Israelites and led Joshua to seek the Lord's guidance. God revealed to Joshua that Israel had sinned by taking some of the devoted things, and as a result, they could not stand against their enemies (Joshua 7:11-12). The Lord instructed Joshua to sanctify the people and identify the transgressor. The Punishment of Achan Through a process of casting lots, Achan was identified as the guilty party. Joshua confronted him, and Achan confessed to his sin (Joshua 7:19-20). The punishment was severe and swift. Achan, along with his sons, daughters, cattle, donkeys, sheep, tent, and all that he had, was taken to the Valley of Achor. There, the Israelites stoned them and burned their remains, heaping a large pile of stones over Achan's body as a lasting memorial of the consequences of sin (Joshua 7:24-26). Theological Implications Achan's account underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He views sin. It serves as a reminder that disobedience to God's commands can have far-reaching effects, not only on the individual but also on the community. The narrative also highlights the importance of confession and the need for communal purity in the covenant relationship with God. The Valley of Achor, where Achan was punished, later became a symbol of hope and restoration. In the prophetic literature, it is mentioned as a "door of hope" (Hosea 2:15), indicating that even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is redemption and restoration for His people. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 7:1But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 22:20 1 Chronicles 2:7 Library Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned ... Restraining Prayer: is it Sin? Joshua The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ... Joshua's Conquest. The Historical Books. The Wheat and the Tares A Message from God for Thee The Godhood of God Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Resources What is the significance of Ai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Joshua | GotQuestions.org Questions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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