Introduction

Covetousness, a deep-seated desire for possessions or wealth that belongs to another, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading to sin and divine judgment. One of the most illustrative examples of covetousness is found in the account of Achan, whose actions brought severe consequences upon himself and the nation of Israel.

Biblical Account

The account of Achan is recorded in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 7. After the miraculous victory at Jericho, where the walls fell by divine intervention, the Israelites were commanded to devote the entire city to destruction, taking none of the spoils for themselves. The Lord's command was clear: "But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise, you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it" (Joshua 6:18).

Despite this command, Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, succumbed to covetousness. He secretly took a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold, hiding them in his tent. This act of disobedience was not immediately known to Joshua or the Israelites, but it had dire consequences.

Consequences of Achan's Sin

The sin of Achan led to Israel's defeat at Ai, a smaller and seemingly less formidable city than Jericho. The Israelites were routed, and thirty-six men lost their lives. Joshua, unaware of Achan's transgression, lamented before the Lord, seeking understanding for the unexpected defeat. The Lord revealed the cause: "Israel has sinned; they have violated My covenant that I commanded them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, lied, and put them with their own possessions" (Joshua 7:11).

The Lord instructed Joshua to sanctify the people and identify the transgressor. Through a process of elimination by tribe, clan, family, and individual, Achan was revealed as the guilty party. Confronted by Joshua, Achan confessed, saying, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: 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" (Joshua 7:20-21).

Judgment and Aftermath

The consequences of Achan's covetousness were severe. He, along with his family and possessions, was taken to the Valley of Achor. There, Achan and his family were stoned and burned, and a great heap of stones was raised over them as a lasting memorial of the sin and its consequences. The Lord's anger was then turned away from Israel, and they were able to conquer Ai in subsequent battles.

Theological Implications

Achan's account serves as a stark warning against covetousness and disobedience to God's commands. It highlights the communal nature of sin, where one individual's transgression can bring consequences upon the entire community. The narrative underscores the importance of holiness and obedience in the life of God's people, as well as the seriousness with which God views covetousness and its potential to lead to further sin.

Conclusion

The account of Achan is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of covetousness and the necessity of adhering to God's commands. It calls believers to examine their own hearts, to root out any form of covetousness, and to live in faithful obedience to the Lord.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat
... His sin, then, was double, being at once covetousness and robbing God. Achan, at
the beginning of Israel's warfare for Canaan, and Ananias, at the beginning of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/achans sin israels defeat.htm

The Valley of Achor
... Their defeat was caused by the covetousness of Achan, who for the sake of some
miserable spoil which he found in a tent, broke God's laws, and drew down shame ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the valley of achor.htm

Tenth Commandment
... It is remarkable how soon the first outbreaks of covetousness occurred. Think of
Eve in Eden, Achan just after Israel had entered the Promised Land, Ananias ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

The Eighth Commandment
... A man covets more than his own, and this itch of covetousness makes him scratch
what he can from another. Achan's covetous humour made him steal the wedge of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 8 the eighth commandment.htm

Internal Foes.
... Covetousness enticed Lot into Sodom. It caused the destruction of Achan and all
his house. It was the iniquity of Balaam. It was the sin of Samuel's sons. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.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. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the tenth commandment.htm

Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
... more eloquently and more truthfully, and at other times he exhibited the most mean
and sordid covetousness that could ... ACHAN""I have sinned.""Joshua 7:20. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/confession of sina sermon with.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... (ii) Covetousness is the root of theft. Achan's covetous humour made him steal that
wedge of gold which served to cleave asunder his soul from God (Joshua 7:21 ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... the children of Israel." [3375] "Thou shalt not steal:" for Achan, when he ... and Passion,
of Deceitful Conduct, or Idle Words, Lies, Covetousness, and Hypocrisy. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... Achan, his sin brought calamities upon all, [5]79 ... sympathy of its members a type
of those of the Church, [68]106, [69]117; its limits forbid covetousness, [70]58 ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

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