Achan’s Sin
Joshua 7
The Secret Sin vs. 1
This chapter begins with the word “but”. The people were given clear instructions not to take anything, that it all belonged to the Lord. (Joshua 6:18-19).
Achan choose to disobey and take it anyways, probably justifying his actions that it wouldn’t hurt anyone.
The Consequences of Sin vs. 2-5
Now that Jericho was defeated the next town was Ai. Joshua sent troops, expecting it to be an easy battle. However, without God’s blessing, it was an impossible battle. Thirty-six people lost their lives, when God intended to have no casualties in the whole campaign.
This disheartened the whole Israelite camp.
The Prayer over Sin vs. 6-15
Joshua responded properly and went to prayer. God, however, told him to get up, this isn’t time to prayer, it’s time to act. God doesn’t want us to weep and mourn over our sin continually, He wants us to take care of it. God explained that there was sin in the camp.
God made it clear He can’t bless them in the midst of sin.
God then gave instructions to pointing out the sin in the camp.
The Punishment of Sin vs. 16-26
The lots were drawn and it came down to Achan’s family. Achan confessed and pointed where he hid the stuff.
Therefore, all Achan’s household and stuff where stoned and burned.
How sin also has most long ranging consequences then we can image. A small purposeful sin can affect a family; it can affect a church.