Joshua 7

One Man’s Sin Brings Heat on the Whole Squad

1 But Israel messed up. A dude named Achan, from the tribe of Judah, took stuff God said not to touch - stuff under the ban. Because of that, God’s anger burned against the whole nation.

Israel Gets Rocked at Ai

2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to check out the next city - Ai, near Beth Aven. He told them, “Go spy it out.”

3 The spies came back like, “It is not that deep, Josh. You do not need the whole squad - just send 2 or 3 thousand. That city’s small.”

4 So Joshua sent about 3,000 troops - But they got whooped and had to run for their lives.

5 Ai’s men chased them and dropped about 36 Israelite soldiers. The rest ran back, and the people’s courage melted - like ice in the sun.

Joshua Cries Out to God

6 Joshua tore his clothes, fell on his face in front of the Ark until evening - Him and the elders, throwing dust on their heads.

7 He cried, “Lord, why did You even bring us across the Jordan just to get us clapped by these folks, We should have stayed on the other side!”

8 “What am I supposed to say now that we got beat?”

9 “Now the other nations going to hear about this - they will team up and wipe us out. Then what, What happens to Your name, God?”

God Claps Back

10 God told Joshua, “Get up! Why are you laying there like that?”

11 “Israel sinned. They broke the covenant. They stole what I said not to touch, lied about it, and hid it like I would not know.”

12 “That is why you all could not stand in battle - I am not rolling with you all when there is sin in the camp. Until you handle it, you will keep catching Ls.”

13 “Get up and tell the people: ‘Sanctify yourselves - clean your hearts. God says there is cursed stuff in the camp, and that is why you all got hit.’”

14 “Tomorrow, line up tribe by tribe, clan by clan, house by house. I am going to point out who did it.”

15 “Whoever is guilty, They are going to get burned up with everything they own - because they violated the covenant and disrespected Me.”

God Exposes Achan

16 Early next morning, Joshua brought the tribes forward - and God pointed to Judah.

17 Then He narrowed it down to the Zerahite clan, Then to Zabdi’s family, then to Achan, Zabdi’s grandson.

18 Joshua called Achan out in front of everybody. He was the one.

Achan Comes Clean

19 Joshua said, “My brother, tell the truth. Give glory to God and confess. What did you do?”

20 Achan said, “I messed up. I sinned against the Lord. Here is what happened…”

21 “I saw this fresh Babylonian robe, some silver, and a gold bar. I wanted it bad… so I took it. It is all buried under my tent - silver is under the robe.”

Judgment Falls

22 Joshua sent some men to check it out. They ran to the tent and - just like Achan said - found the stolen goods.

23 They brought the stuff to Joshua and laid it before God.

24 Then Joshua and all of Israel took Achan, his sons and daughters, his animals, tent, and everything he owned, And brought them to the Valley of Achor.

25 Joshua said, “You brought trouble on us - now God bringing trouble on you.” Then they stoned him - all of Israel.

26 They piled stones over his body - and it is still there. Then God’s anger cooled off. That is why they call that place the Valley of Trouble (Achor).