Achan's Sin: The Consequence of Disobedience

Joshua 7 is a solemn reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the devastating effect of sin on a community. As we navigate our personal and communal lives, let us be mindful of our actions, understanding that they carry consequences not just for us, but also for those around us. In times of failure or defeat, may we seek God's guidance, strive to rectify our mistakes, and reaffirm our commitment to follow His commands.

The Defeat at Ai (Verses 1-5)

Despite their recent victory at Jericho, the Israelites suffer a surprising defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin. Unaware of the disobedience, Joshua sends men to Ai, where they are unexpectedly driven back and defeated.

Joshua's Despair (Verses 6-9)

The defeat at Ai demoralizes Joshua, who tears his clothes and falls before the Ark of the Covenant in despair, questioning why God led them across the Jordan only to be defeated.

God Reveals the Sin (Verses 10-15)

God tells Joshua that Israel has sinned by taking devoted things from Jericho, violating His command. He instructs Joshua to consecrate the people and bring forth the tribes. The guilty party will be destroyed by fire along with all that belongs to him.

Achan's Confession (Verses 16-21)

Joshua follows God's instructions, and Achan of the tribe of Judah is identified. He confesses that he took a beautiful robe from Babylon, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold.

Achan's Punishment (Verses 22-26)

Following the confession, Joshua sends men who find the stolen items in Achan's tent. Achan, his family, and all that he owns are stoned to death and burned in the Valley of Achor. A large pile of stones is raised over him as a lasting memorial of the dire consequences of disobedience.

In Joshua Chapter 7, we encounter a poignant moment of setback for the Israelites due to disobedience. The chapter reveals the transgression of Achan, who, against God's command, keeps spoils from the victory at Jericho, leading to disastrous consequences for the whole nation at the city of Ai.

1. Disobedience and Its Consequences
2. Collective Responsibility
3. Repentance and Justice
4. Divine Guidance1. The Sin of Achan
2. The Defeat at Ai
3. Achan's Confession and Punishment
4. Renewed Favor with God1. Joshua
2. The Israelites
3. Achan1. The City of Ai
2. The Valley of Achor

1. In Joshua 7:1, Achan's sin is said to bring trouble on Israel as a whole. What does this verse teach us about the corporate nature of sin within a community?

2. Achan's sin led to defeat at Ai, which shocked Joshua and the elders. How can our individual actions affect the groups or communities we're part of?

3. Joshua reacted to the defeat with mourning and despair. Why did he react this way and what does it teach us about leadership and responsibility?

4. How does God's response to Joshua in Joshua 7:10-12 instruct us on moving forward after a setback or failure?

5. God knew who was guilty, yet He had Joshua cast lots to determine the guilty party. What might be the reason for this and how can this process be compared to our justice system today?

6. In what ways might we be tempted to take what isn’t ours, like Achan did, especially in our current society?

7. Achan hid the spoils of Jericho in his tent, thinking his sin was hidden. How does this story speak to the misconception that our hidden sins have no consequences?

8. How can Achan’s story serve as a reminder of the short-lived pleasure of sin compared to its long-term consequences?

9. How did Achan's confession in Joshua 7:20-21 reflect his understanding of his sin and its gravity?

10. How can we apply the lessons of Achan’s story to our own lives when dealing with temptation and sin?

11. How can this story help us understand the concept of personal accountability and its importance in a society?

12. What lessons can we learn from Joshua's leadership and his dealing with defeat and sin within his people?

13. How does Achan's story challenge us to think about the impacts of our private actions on our community?

14. Despite the heavy consequence of Achan’s sin, God’s anger was turned away after justice was served. How can this narrative be used to understand God's wrath and justice?

15. Why do you think Achan’s entire family was punished for his sin? How does this compare to our modern understanding of justice?

16. The chapter ends with a place being named the Valley of Achor, meaning trouble, in memory of this event. Why do you think it's important to remember such difficult times?

17. Can you share a personal experience when a hidden mistake or sin of yours affected the people around you? How did you deal with it?

18. How does Achan's story remind us of the importance of obedience to God's commandments in our daily lives?

19. How does Achan's action contrast with Rahab's action in the previous chapters? What does this say about the nature of decisions and their outcomes?

20. In this chapter, Joshua and the Israelites are taught a hard lesson about the importance of holiness and obedience. How can we learn from their experience and apply it in our contemporary lives?