Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Insubordination In, Punished, Achan

◄ Armies: March in Ranks: Insubordination In, Punished, Achan ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of armies marching in ranks is often associated with order, discipline, and obedience to divine command. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, were frequently called to engage in military campaigns under strict instructions from God. Any deviation from these commands was considered insubordination and was met with severe consequences, as exemplified in the account of Achan.

Achan's Insubordination

The account of Achan is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 7. After the miraculous victory at Jericho, where the walls fell as the Israelites marched in obedience to God's command, the Israelites were instructed to devote the entire city to destruction and to keep none of the spoils for themselves. This was a test of their obedience and trust in God's provision.

However, Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, disobeyed this command. He took some of the devoted items—a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold—and hid them in his tent. This act of insubordination was not just a personal sin but a breach of the covenant between God and Israel, affecting the entire community.

Punishment of Achan

The consequences of Achan's disobedience were immediate and severe. When the Israelites attempted to conquer the city of Ai, they were unexpectedly defeated. Joshua, the leader of Israel, sought the Lord's guidance, and God revealed that Israel had sinned by taking some of the devoted things. The Lord said to Joshua, "Israel has sinned; they have violated My covenant that I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, and they have put them with their own possessions" (Joshua 7:11).

To restore the covenant relationship and remove the sin from among them, God instructed Joshua to identify the guilty party. Through a process of casting lots, Achan was revealed as the transgressor. Joshua confronted Achan, who confessed his sin, saying, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done" (Joshua 7:20).

As a result, Achan, along with his family and possessions, was taken to the Valley of Achor. There, he was stoned to death, and his belongings were burned. This act of punishment served as a sobering reminder to the Israelites of the seriousness of insubordination and the necessity of obedience to God's commands.

Theological Implications

The account of Achan underscores the importance of obedience and the collective responsibility of the community of faith. Insubordination within the ranks of God's people not only disrupts divine order but also brings consequences that affect the entire community. The punishment of Achan highlights the holiness of God and the need for His people to adhere strictly to His commands, maintaining purity and faithfulness in their covenant relationship with Him.

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Joshua 7:1
But 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.
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