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We have a mournful interest in sin. Three characteristics of sin are seen in Achan —

1. Sin is secret; that is, from men, not from God.

2. Sin is gradual. Captivates the senses: "I saw." Captivates the desires: "I coveted." Captivates the soul: "I took."

3. Sin is the herald of a curse: "The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked." Note its effects.

I. ON JOSHUA — THE LEADER.

1. Changed the hero into a coward. His heart became as water.

2. Changed the man of faith to a doubter (ver. 7).

3. This in spite of his Divine call and his great ability. So secret sin affects the leaders of the Church to-day.

II. ON ISRAEL — THE CHURCH.

1. Changed victors into victims. They fled from before At. Sin is weakness as well as wicked ness. Sin deters the progress of the Church.

2. This in spite of the Divine covenant. That covenant was to give the land to the true sons of Abraham- the faithful: "If ye be willing and obedient," &c.

3. This, too, in spite of previous victory at Jericho. They won at Jericho, for they were all sanctified. They failed at Ai, for there was sin in the camp. One secret sinner may ruin a Church's worth.

III. ON ACHAN — THE SINNER. Did not sin gain for him much spoil? Yes — and more. He got gold and brave apparel, but he also got for his secret sin —

1. Public shame.

2. Public punishment. Sad as are the effects on others, the secret sinner feels them most of all.The remedy is —

1. Not inactive grief: "Wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?" (ver. 10).

2. Active search for hidden sin (ver. 13).

3. Entire sanctification of all (ver. 13).

(James Dunk.)

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KJV: And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?

WEB: Yahweh said to Joshua, "Get up! Why are you fallen on your face like that?