Topical Bible: Theft and Thieves: Achan

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Achan is a significant biblical figure associated with the sin of theft, specifically in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. His account is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 6 and 7, and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

Biblical Account

Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, committed an act of theft during the conquest of Jericho. God had explicitly commanded the Israelites that all the silver, gold, and articles of bronze and iron from Jericho were to be consecrated to the Lord and placed in His treasury (Joshua 6:19). However, Achan violated this divine command by secretly taking some of the devoted items for himself.

The Bible records that Achan took "a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels" (Joshua 7:21). He hid these items in the ground inside his tent, believing his actions would go unnoticed.

Consequences of Achan's Sin

Achan's theft had severe repercussions for the entire nation of Israel. When the Israelites attempted to conquer the city of Ai, they were unexpectedly defeated, resulting in the loss of thirty-six men (Joshua 7:5). This defeat caused great distress among the people and led Joshua to seek the Lord's guidance.

God revealed to Joshua that Israel had sinned by taking some of the devoted things, which had brought trouble upon the entire community (Joshua 7:11). The Lord instructed Joshua to sanctify the people and identify the transgressor.

Through a process of casting lots, Achan was identified as the guilty party. When confronted, Achan confessed to his sin, acknowledging that he had coveted and taken the forbidden items (Joshua 7:20-21).

Judgment and Punishment

The punishment for Achan's theft was severe, reflecting the gravity of his disobedience. Joshua, following God's command, took Achan, along with the stolen items, his sons and daughters, his livestock, and all his possessions, to the Valley of Achor. There, Achan and his family were stoned to death, and their bodies were burned (Joshua 7:24-25). This act of judgment served to remove the sin from Israel and restore God's favor upon the nation.

Theological Implications

Achan's account underscores the seriousness with which God views theft and disobedience. It highlights the communal nature of sin, demonstrating how one individual's actions can affect the entire community. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for holiness among His people.

The account of Achan serves as a reminder of the consequences of covetousness and the importance of integrity. It calls believers to examine their own lives for hidden sins and to seek repentance and restoration through God's grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 7:11
Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Eighth Commandment
... Achan the thief was stoned to death ... a Roman censor, condemned his own son to die
for theft. Thieves die with ignominy, the ladder is their preferment: and there ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 8 the eighth commandment.htm

Tenth Commandment
... We lock up thieves, and have no mercy on them. ... Think of Eve in Eden, Achan just after
Israel had ... us into the violation of the eighth commandment, or theft. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

The Tenth Commandment
... Covetousness is a breach of the eighth commandment Thou shalt not steal.' It is
the root of theft: covetous Achan stole the wedge of gold. Thieves and covetous ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the tenth commandment.htm

Little Sins
... Achan touched it: was not that a little thing ... then he goes and opens the door to
let in the thieves. ... the devil has tempted thee to commit the first petty theft. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/little sins.htm