Topical Bible: Covetousness: Achan, in Hiding the Treasure

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Covetousness, a deep-seated desire for what belongs to another, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading to sin and divine judgment. One of the most illustrative accounts of covetousness is found in the account of Achan, whose actions during the conquest of Jericho reveal the destructive power of this sin.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Achan is recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 7. After the miraculous fall of Jericho, God commanded the Israelites to devote the entire city to destruction, sparing only Rahab and her family. The Israelites were instructed not to take any of the devoted things for themselves, as these were to be consecrated to the Lord. However, Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, succumbed to covetousness.

In Joshua 7:21 , Achan confesses, "When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." Achan's desire for these items led him to disobey God's explicit command, resulting in severe consequences for himself and the nation of Israel.

Consequences of Achan's Sin

Achan's covetousness had immediate and far-reaching effects. His sin caused the Israelites to suffer a humiliating defeat at Ai, as recorded in Joshua 7:4-5 : "So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water."

The defeat at Ai prompted Joshua to seek the Lord's guidance, leading to the revelation of Achan's sin. God instructed Joshua to sanctify the people and identify the transgressor. Once Achan was identified, he and his family were brought before the assembly. Joshua 7:25 recounts the judgment: "Joshua said, 'Why have you brought this trouble upon us? The LORD will bring trouble upon you this day.' Then all Israel stoned them to death. After they had stoned the others, they burned them."

Theological Implications

Achan's account underscores the seriousness with which God views covetousness and disobedience. It serves as a stark reminder that covetousness is not merely a private sin but one that can have communal repercussions. The narrative illustrates the principle that hidden sins are not hidden from God and that divine justice will ultimately prevail.

The account of Achan also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for communal holiness. The Israelites' collective responsibility for Achan's sin reflects the interconnectedness of the covenant community, where the sin of one can affect the many.

Lessons for Believers

For believers, Achan's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of covetousness and the importance of contentment and trust in God's provision. It calls Christians to examine their own hearts for any hidden desires that may lead them away from God's will. The narrative encourages a life of integrity, transparency, and obedience, recognizing that true treasure is found in a right relationship with God.

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Joshua 7:21
When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the middle of my tent, and the silver under it.
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