Topical Bible: Temptation: Achan

◄ Temptation: Achan ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context:
Achan, a member of the tribe of Judah, is a significant figure in the narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, specifically in the account of the fall of Jericho and the subsequent defeat at Ai. His account is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 6 and 7. Achan's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of yielding to temptation and disobeying God's commands.

The Sin of Achan:
The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were commanded by God to destroy the city of Jericho and devote all the spoils to the Lord. The instructions were clear: "But keep away from the things devoted to destruction, lest you yourself be set apart for destruction. If you take any of these, you will set the camp of Israel apart for destruction and bring disaster upon it" (Joshua 6:18). Despite this command, Achan succumbed to temptation. He coveted and took a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold, hiding them in his tent (Joshua 7:21).

Consequences of Achan's Sin:
Achan's transgression had severe repercussions for the entire nation of Israel. His sin led to Israel's defeat at Ai, where thirty-six men lost their lives. The Lord's anger burned against Israel, and Joshua, unaware of Achan's sin, sought the Lord's guidance. God revealed the presence of sin in the camp, stating, "Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them. They have taken some of what was devoted to destruction; they have stolen, lied, and put these things with their own possessions" (Joshua 7:11).

The Discovery and Punishment:
Through a process of elimination by tribe, clan, family, and individual, Achan was identified as the culprit. Joshua confronted Achan, urging him to confess. Achan admitted his sin, saying, "It is true; I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did" (Joshua 7:20). The punishment was swift and severe. Achan, along with his family and possessions, was taken to the Valley of Achor, where they were stoned and burned. This act of judgment was necessary to remove the sin from Israel and restore God's favor.

Theological Implications:
Achan's account underscores the seriousness of sin and the communal impact of individual disobedience. It highlights the holiness of God and the necessity of obedience to His commands. The narrative serves as a reminder of the destructive power of temptation and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. Achan's sin illustrates the biblical principle that hidden sins can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individual but also the broader community.

Moral Lessons:
The account of Achan teaches several moral lessons. It warns against the dangers of covetousness and the deceitfulness of sin. Believers are reminded to guard their hearts against temptation and to remain vigilant in their obedience to God. The account also emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance, as Achan's delayed admission of guilt resulted in severe judgment. The narrative encourages believers to live in integrity, recognizing that God sees all and that hidden sins will eventually be brought to light.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

Little Sins
... Little though the temptation be, I dread thee, for thy little temptation leads to
something greater, and thy ... Satan always begins with us as he did with Achan. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/little sins.htm

Tenth Commandment
... A TEMPTATION AND A SNARE. "They that will be, (that is, desire to be), rich fall
into temptation and a ... It was the cause of his death. "And Achan answered Joshua ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

The First Season
... good Hezekiah could not hide a vain-glorious temper in his temptation; hence that ...
the tribes of Israel to cast lots for the discovery of Achan, doubtless Achan ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/i the first season.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... (i.) He can propose the object; as he set a wedge of gold before Achan. ... within, and
work some kind of inclinableness in the heart to embrace a temptation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

Gehazi
... He is bracketed with Achan, and coupled with Judas. ... The rules of moral hygiene are
summed up in our Lord's prayer, "Lead us not into temptation," that is to say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/gehazi.htm

Peace
... Violent winds make the sea rough and stormy; so the winds of temptation blowing,
disturb peace of spirit ... Sin is the Achan that troubles us, the Trojan horse. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Bailey.
... his malignant faction into the bosom of the church, proved the Achan in the ... of the
resolutioners, on the very first blast of temptation, involved themselves in ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 5.htm

A Wise Desire
... He chose to reject the temptation, but did he choose the trial? ... You know when Achan
had committed a great sin the tribes were assembled and the lot fell upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a wise desire.htm

The Tenth Commandment
... and to desire so much of it as may keep us from the temptation of poverty ... commandment
Thou shalt not steal.' It is the root of theft: covetous Achan stole the ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the tenth commandment.htm

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ...
... Achan of old had thus obtained pardon. ... but aim at doing all the more in the opposite
direction, or of overcoming sin in the same circumstances of temptation. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the call of.htm