Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Akan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. He is a member of the tribe of Judah and is most notably associated with the sin of taking forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho, which led to severe consequences for the Israelites. Biblical Account: Akan, also referred to as Achan in some translations, is introduced in Joshua 7. After the fall of Jericho, God commanded the Israelites to devote the city and all that was in it to destruction, sparing only Rahab and her family. The Israelites were instructed not to take any of the devoted things for themselves, as doing so would bring trouble upon the camp of Israel. Despite this clear command, Akan disobeyed. Joshua 7:1 states, "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites." The Consequences of Akan's Sin: Akan's transgression had immediate and dire consequences. The Israelites, unaware of Akan's sin, went to battle against the city of Ai and suffered a humiliating defeat. Joshua, perplexed by the loss, sought the Lord, who revealed that Israel had sinned by taking some of the devoted things. The Lord instructed Joshua to sanctify the people and identify the guilty party. Through a process of elimination, Akan was singled out. Joshua 7:19-21 records the confrontation: "So Joshua said to Achan, 'My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give Him the praise. Tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.' Achan replied, '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.'" Judgment and Restoration: Upon Akan's confession, Joshua sent messengers to retrieve the stolen items. Akan, along with his family and possessions, was taken to the Valley of Achor. There, he faced the judgment of God. Joshua 7:25-26 recounts the event: "And Joshua said, 'Why have you brought this trouble upon us? The LORD will bring trouble upon you this day.' Then all Israel stoned him to death. They stoned the others as well and burned them. And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. So the LORD turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day." Theological Significance: Akan's account serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands. His actions not only affected him but also brought consequences upon the entire community of Israel. The narrative underscores the concept of corporate responsibility and the need for communal holiness. The Valley of Achor, where Akan was judged, later becomes a symbol of hope and restoration in the prophetic literature. In Hosea 2:15, the Valley of Achor is mentioned as a "door of hope," indicating God's ability to transform places of judgment into opportunities for renewal and blessing. Conclusion: Akan's account is a powerful testament to the holiness of God and the necessity for His people to live in accordance with His will. It highlights the destructive nature of sin and the importance of confession and repentance in restoring one's relationship with God. Smith's Bible Dictionary Akan(sharp sighted), son of Ezer, one of the "dukes" or chieftains of the Horites, and descendant of Seir. (Genesis 36:27) He is called JAKAN in (1 Chronicles 1:42) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AKANa'-kan (`aqan, "twisted"): A son of Ezer, a descendant of Esau of Seir (Genesis 36:27). He is called Jaakan in 1 Chronicles 1:42. The King James Version margin has Jakan. Strong's Hebrew 5912. Akan -- an Israelite name... 5911, 5912. Akan. 5913 . an Israelite name. Transliteration: Akan Phonetic Spelling: (aw-kawn') Short Definition: Achan. ... 5911, 5912. Akan. 5913 . ... /hebrew/5912.htm - 6k 6130. Aqan -- a descendant of Esau 3275. Yakan -- a Gadite 5917. Akar -- a man of Judah Library Chapter xxxvi Thesaurus Akan (2 Occurrences)...AKAN. a'-kan (`aqan, "twisted"): A son of Ezer, a descendant of Esau of Seir (Genesis 36:27). ... Multi-Version Concordance Akan (2 Occurrences). ... /a/akan.htm - 7k Ja'akan (1 Occurrence) Bene-ja'akan (3 Occurrences) Ajalon (10 Occurrences) Za'avan (2 Occurrences) Zaavan (2 Occurrences) Jaakan (4 Occurrences) Jaakanites (1 Occurrence) Ezer (10 Occurrences) Ben-elah (1 Occurrence) Resources Akan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Akan (2 Occurrences)Genesis 36:27 1 Chronicles 1:42 Subtopics Related Terms |
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