Topical Bible: Judgments: Upon Individuals

◄ Judgments: Upon Individuals - Exemplified: Achan ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, is a significant biblical figure whose account is a poignant example of divine judgment upon an individual due to disobedience and sin. His narrative is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 6 and 7, and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of violating God's commandments.

Background and Context

The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, had just experienced a miraculous victory at Jericho, where the walls of the city fell after the Israelites followed God's specific instructions. The victory at Jericho was meant to be a testament to God's power and faithfulness. However, God had commanded that all the spoils of Jericho were to be devoted to Him, and no one was to take any of the accursed things for themselves (Joshua 6:18-19).

Achan's Sin

Despite the clear 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 that affected the entire community of Israel.

Divine Judgment

The consequences of Achan's sin were immediate and severe. 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 fear and confusion among the Israelites, and Joshua sought the Lord's guidance. God revealed that Israel had sinned by taking some of the devoted things, and as a result, His presence and favor had been withdrawn (Joshua 7:11-12).

Identification and Punishment

To identify the transgressor, God instructed Joshua to bring the tribes of Israel forward, tribe by tribe, and then clan by clan, until the guilty party was revealed. Achan was eventually identified as the culprit (Joshua 7:16-18). When confronted, Achan confessed his sin, acknowledging his wrongdoing before Joshua and the assembly (Joshua 7:20).

The judgment upon Achan was swift and severe. He, along with his family and possessions, was taken to the Valley of Achor. There, Achan and his family were stoned to death, and their bodies were burned, as a means of purging the sin from Israel and restoring God's favor (Joshua 7:24-25).

Theological Implications

Achan's account underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly when it involves direct disobedience to His commands. It highlights the communal nature of sin and its potential to affect not just the individual but the entire community. The judgment upon Achan serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of obedience and integrity among His people.

Legacy

The Valley of Achor, where Achan was judged, became a symbol of trouble and judgment. However, in later prophetic literature, it is also mentioned as a place of hope and restoration (Hosea 2:15), illustrating the transformative power of God's grace and the possibility of redemption even in the aftermath of judgment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 7:25
And Joshua said, Why have you troubled us? the LORD shall trouble you this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... intelligent reader to his own reflections upon them ... and the degrading, and even
desolating judgments of heaven ... The character of individuals is not to be judged ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... so great, that has statutes and judgments so righteous ... their office, were not private
individuals, but the ... a doubtful matter, to put the witness upon oath; and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm