The story of Achan taking the accursed things from Jericho during the conquest of Canaan is found in Joshua 7. Here is a brief summary:
After the Israelites had miraculously defeated Jericho, Joshua sent men to spy out the city of Ai. Confident after their previous victory, the Israelites attacked Ai but were soundly defeated. Joshua and the elders of Israel mourned and prayed, wondering why God had allowed them to be defeated. God revealed that someone had transgressed His commandment and taken spoils from Jericho, which had been set apart for destruction. God instructed them to sanctify themselves and seek out the one who had sinned. After an investigation, Achan was identified as the one who had stolen a beautiful Babylonian robe, silver, and gold from Jericho. Achan confessed and explained that he had coveted the forbidden items when he saw them. As punishment, Achan and his family were stoned to death in the Valley of Achor. After dealing with this sin, the Israelites were once again able to defeat Ai in battle with God’s help (Joshua 7:1-8:29).
What spiritual lessons can we learn from this account?
The Danger of Covetousness
Achan’s downfall began when he saw the fine Babylonian robe and silver and gold in Jericho and was overcome by coveting. He knew these items had been set apart for destruction, but he took them anyway in direct defiance of God’s command. This reveals the power of covetousness – when we long for something wrong, it can lead us into further temptation and sin (Exodus 20:17, Joshua 7:21). We must guard our hearts against coveting and remember that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15).
Sin Always Has Consequences
Achan likely thought he could get away with his private sin. But God sees everything, and sin always has consequences. Because of Achan’s action, the lives of his entire family were put in jeopardy and lost. Often our private sins do not remain private but end up harming ourselves and others around us. We can’t hide from the consequences of disobedience (Numbers 32:23).
Deal Radically with Sin
The Israelites dealt decisively with Achan’s sin by stoning him and his household. The sin was eradicated before God’s blessing could return to the people. Drastic action was required to remove the influence of sin from their camp. Similarly, we are called to radically deal with sin in our own lives by humbly confessing it to God, repenting, and walking in holiness by the power of the Spirit (1 John 1:9, Romans 6:1-2).
God Hates Sin
This passage reveals how seriously God takes sin. He wants His people to be holy as He is holy, set apart for His purposes (1 Peter 1:16). God knows that sin breeds more sin and leads to death if left unchecked (James 1:15). Although judgment came upon Achan, God still loved him and did not want his sin to spread further. God’s discipline is an act of love (Hebrews 12:6).
The Danger of Disobedience
Achan knew God had commanded that Jericho’s treasures be set apart for destruction, but he directly disobeyed. His willful disobedience led to devastating consequences for himself, his family, and even affected the entire nation of Israel by leading to their initial defeat at Ai. We must realize the danger and deceitfulness of willful disobedience to God’s commands. There are always consequences, even if delayed (Hebrews 3:12-13).
No One Sin Alone
Achan’s sin did not occur in isolation. His coveting led to stealing which led to deceiving and causing harm to others. One sin often snowballs into many sins. We must resist temptation at the outset, taking every sinful thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Sin promises pleasure but ultimately leads to death if not repented of (James 1:14-15).
The Need for Holiness
God commanded Israel to be set apart as holy for His purposes, just as believers in Christ are called to live holy lives (Leviticus 11:44-45, 1 Peter 1:13-16). Holiness means being totally surrendered to God and avoiding the contamination of sin. Achan’s sin contaminated the camp of Israel. We must pursue complete holiness and avoid letting any sin have influence in our lives, by God’s strength and Spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Do Not Covet
The tenth commandment given to Israel was not to covet anything that belongs to your neighbor (Exodus 20:17). Achan broke this command by coveting the forbidden treasures of Jericho. Covetousness indicates dissatisfaction with what God has provided and a lack of contentment. It is dangerous because it can lead to many other sins. We must learn the secret of being content in Christ (Philippians 4:11-12).
Sin Affects the Community
Achan likely thought his sin was private and harmless. But Israel suffered military defeat and lives were lost as a result. There are no “private” sins because we are all connected in community. Our sins can contaminate, discourage, or mislead fellow believers. We have a responsibility to pursue holiness for the sake of others, not only ourselves (Galatians 5:13-15).
The Need for Accountability
Accountability to godly authority is necessary. Achan’s sin was eventually found out because Joshua and Israel sought the Lord for the cause of their defeat. Spiritual leaders have responsibility to lovingly uncover sin in order to seek restoration (Matthew 18:15-20). Living in isolation makes it easier to hide sin. Accountability provides protection.
Do Not Deceive
When Achan was directly questioned, he could have confessed, but instead he at first deceived by omission before finally admitting his sin. Sin easily leads to cover-ups and deception (Proverbs 28:13). We must be people of complete honesty and integrity, willing to confess our sins freely to God and others rather than hiding. Deceit compounds guilt.
Judgment for Sin
Achan and his family experienced severe judgment for his sin of covetousness. While we live in an age of grace today, the Bible reminds us that God still disciplnes those He loves, and we will one day give account for our lives before Him (Hebrews 12:5-6, Romans 14:12). God cannot allow open rebellion and sin to go unchecked forever. There are still consequences for persisting in sin (1 Corinthians 11:30-32).
In summary, the sobering story of Achan teaches vital spiritual lessons on the danger of sin, the need for holiness, dealing decisively with disobedience, the power of temptation, and living as part of a community under God’s authority. We must learn from Achan’s mistakes and examine our own hearts, being quick to repent of any sin.