Achan and the Accursed Thing
Lessons for Modern Christians from the Story of Achan
The Lord had worked mighty miracles to deliver the people of Israel from bondage in Egypt. He had piled up the floodwaters of the Jordan River. He had miraculously delivered the city of Jericho into the hands of Joshua and his army.
Defeat
And yet, when they tried to take the small city of Ai, they were sorely defeated. Thirty-six of their warriors were slain in battle and Israel retreated in shame and confusion.
Distrust
Hadn’t the Lord promised to defeat their enemies and give them the land of promise? Joshua and the elders fell upon their faces before the Lord and wept bitterly.
After all the Lord had done for them, all of which Joshua had been an eyewitness to, Joshua complained, “Wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over the Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us?” Joshua 7:7
The Fault Lay With the People
“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan… took of the accursed thing.” Joshua 2:1
Reason for their Defeat
There was a reason for their defeat. God would not tolerate sin in the camp. It was for the sins of the Canaanites that they were being dispossessed from their land. God had shown Israel a better way and promised them His protection and abiding presence if only they would obey His laws of love.
“And the Lord said unto Joshua, Get thee up…Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies.” Joshua 7:10-12
God's View of Sin
God required that drastic measures be taken to prevent the children of Israel from polluting the land with sin and being personally degraded by it. They were to utterly destroy every living thing of specified cities and they were to purify the precious metals with fire. The idolatry of the Canaanites had led to their expulsion from the land and God would not allow any reminders of their wickedness to remain to entice and ensnare His chosen people.
But Achan:
- Took of the accursed thing – He was to have turned over the gold to the priests and should have destroyed the garment which he found
- Stole from God – the metals were to be purified by fire then turned over to the Levites for use in the tabernacle
- Dissembled – that is, he concealed his motives, acted hypocritically
- Put the accursed things among his own stuff – he brought it home and destroyed his family by it.
All Because of a Nice Outfit and Some Money
“And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel…When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold…then I coveted them, and took them.” Joshua 7:20, 21
Making Things Right
As soon as Joshua knew who was responsible for the trouble in Israel, he took immediate action to rectify the situation. “So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent.” Joshua 7:22
Blessings Conditional
As in times past, God longs to bless His children today. But, He will not suffer sin in the camp. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3
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