◄ Joshua 7 ►
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The Defeat at Ai 1The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction.a Achanb son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi,c the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites. 2Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3On returning to Joshua, they reported, “There is no need to send all the people; two or three thousand men are enough to go up and attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, you need not wear out all our people there.” 4So about three thousand men went up, but they fled before the men of Ai. 5And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarriesd and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water. 6Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. 7“O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! 8O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? 9When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” 10But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face? 11Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions. 12This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. 13Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them. 14In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD selects shall come forward clan by clan, and the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward family by family, and the family that the LORD selects shall come forward man by man. 15The one who is caught with the things devoted to destruction must be burned, along with all that belongs to him, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD and committed an outrage in Israel.’” The Sin of Achan 16So Joshua arose early the next morning and had Israel come forward tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was selected. 17He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the clan of the Zerahites was selected. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward, and the family of Zabdi was selected. 18And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. 19So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” 20“It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: 21When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar,e two hundred shekels of silver,f and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels,g I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” 22So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there it all was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. 23They took the things from inside the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and spread them out before the LORD. 24Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his oxen and donkeys and sheep, his tent, and everything else he owned, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25“Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. 26And they heaped over Achan a large pile of rocks that remains to this day. So the LORD turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Achorh to this day. Footnotes: 1 a Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering; also in verses 11, 12, 13, and 15. 1 b Achan means troubler; also called Achar in 1 Chronicles 2:7. 1 c Zabdi is a variant of Zimri; also in verses 17 and 18; see LXX and 1 Chronicles 2:6. 5 d Or as far as Shebarim 21 e That is, Babylonia 21 f 200 shekels is approximately 5 pounds or 2.3 kilograms of silver. 21 g 50 shekels is approximately 1.26 pounds or 569.8 grams of gold. 26 h Achor means trouble. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Joshua 7 Summary The Sin of Achan Verses 1 – Israel’s Sin and the LORD’s Anger Israel breaks faith when Achan secretly keeps some of the “devoted things” from Jericho, and God’s wrath ignites against the whole nation. Verses 2–5 – The Defeat at Ai Confident but prayer-less, Israel sends only a few troops against the small town of Ai. Thirty-six men fall, the army flees, and courage melts away. Verses 6–9 – Joshua’s Lament Joshua and the elders tear their clothes, fall face-down, and pour out a desperate prayer: Why has this happened? What will the surrounding nations think of Your great name? Verses 10–15 – God’s Diagnosis and Remedy God halts the lament. Israel has sinned, stolen, lied, and hidden the loot. Until the devoted things are destroyed, He will not go with them. The guilty must be identified by lot and burned with fire. Verses 16–21 – Achan Identified and Confesses Tribe by tribe, clan by clan, family by family—Achan is taken. He confesses to coveting a beautiful Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a fifty-shekel gold bar: “I saw… I coveted… I took… I hid.” Verses 22–26 – Judgment and Restoration The loot is found under Achan’s tent. He, his family, and all he owns are stoned and burned in the Valley of Achor. A great heap of stones rises, and the LORD turns from His fierce anger, opening the door for victory. In Joshua Chapter 7, we encounter a poignant moment of setback for the Israelites due to disobedience. The chapter reveals the transgression of Achan, who, against God's command, keeps spoils from the victory at Jericho, leading to disastrous consequences for the whole nation at the city of Ai. Historical Background Joshua 7 unfolds in the early days of Israel’s conquest, likely late 1400s B.C. The people have just witnessed Jericho’s miraculous fall (Joshua 6). Jericho was placed “under the ban” (Hebrew herem —set apart for God alone; Joshua 6:17-19). To take any of those items was to rob the One who secured the victory. Achan’s theft violates a clear command only days old. Devoted Things and the Concept of Herem • Deuteronomy 7:26 warned, “Do not bring a detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction.” • By seizing what belonged to God, Achan effectively placed himself—and Israel—under that same ban. • Herem surfaces earlier when Israel fought Amalek (Exodus 17) and later in the total destruction of Amalekite king Agag (1 Samuel 15). Saul’s failure there mirrors Achan’s greed: he spared what should have been surrendered to God. Corporate Responsibility Though only one man sinned, the entire community suffered loss. God’s verdict: “Israel has sinned… they have taken… they have lied” (Joshua 7:11). Similar collective accountability appears in: • Numbers 16—Korah’s rebellion brings judgment on many. • 2 Samuel 24—David’s census leads to a national plague. • 1 Corinthians 5—Paul urges the church to remove unrepentant sin for the health of all. The Casting of Lots God narrows the search by lot (Joshua 7:14-18). Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” The method reappears when: • Israel assigns tribal land (Joshua 18-19). • The apostles select Matthias (Acts 1:26). Archaeological Insights: Ai and the Valley of Achor • Ai (“the ruin”) is widely associated with et-Tell, a site showing Late Bronze destruction layers, or with the nearer Khirbet el-Maqatir, where pottery, sling stones, and a burned fortress match Joshua’s timeline. • The Valley of Achor (“Trouble”) likely lies just south of Jericho. Later prophets turn its grim memory into hope: “I will give her the Valley of Achor as a door of hope” (Hosea 2:15). Stone Piles as Covenant Markers Joshua 4—stones from the Jordan; Joshua 8—an altar on Mount Ebal; Joshua 7—Achan’s memorial heap. Each pile preaches: God keeps His word, whether in blessing or judgment. Link to Covenant Blessings and Curses Deuteronomy 28 painted two paths: obedience brings victory; disobedience brings defeat. Joshua 7 is the first vivid experience of the curse side. When the sin is purged, covenant blessing resumes (Joshua 8). Echoes in the New Testament • Acts 5—Ananias and Sapphira hide money from God and fall dead, echoing Achan’s secret loot. • Hebrews 12:15 warns, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” One root can poison a whole field. • 1 John 2:16 contrasts the lust of the eyes with doing God’s will, paralleling Achan’s “I saw… I coveted.” Lessons on Obedience and Hidden Sin 1. Victory yesterday does not guarantee victory today; continual trust and obedience do. 2. Private sin always has public fallout. Even a silent tent in the camp can disable a whole army. 3. God exposes sin not to shame but to restore. The valley of Trouble becomes a door of hope once sin is judged. Practical Application • Keep short accounts with God; confess early rather than wait for exposure (1 John 1:9). • Guard the eyes—“I saw… I coveted” is a timeless sequence (Genesis 3:6; 2 Samuel 11:2). • Leadership must seek God before every venture. Joshua assumed Ai would be easy; he did not consult the LORD until after defeat (contrast Joshua 8:1). Original Words to Notice • Achor—“trouble”; reminds every generation of the cost of rebellion. • Shamru—“kept back” (7:1), the same verb for financial fraud in Acts 5. • Herem—“devoted, banned”; anything God marks as His alone. God’s Mercy Amid Judgment Even the harsh sentence on Achan carries mercy: Israel is spared future defeats, and the path to taking the land is reopened. The next chapter will describe total victory over Ai—evidence that when sin is removed, God gladly returns to fight for His people. Takeaway Joshua 7 presses one clear truth: hidden sin hinders holy mission. Once dealt with, God’s presence, power, and promise surge back into view. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Teaching Points The Consequences of Disobedience 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. Achan's sin affected the entire nation, leading to their defeat at Ai. The Importance of Seeking God Joshua's response to the defeat was to seek the Lord. Joshua 7:6-7 shows Joshua and the elders of Israel tearing their clothes and falling facedown before the Ark of the Lord, seeking answers and guidance. The Need for Accountability God reveals to Joshua that Israel has sinned. Joshua 7:11 says, Israel has sinned; they have violated My covenant that I commanded them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, lied, and put them with their own possessions. The Process of Repentance and Restoration God instructs Joshua to consecrate the people and identify the guilty party. Joshua 7:13 states, Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.’ The Seriousness of Sin Achan's sin is exposed, and he confesses. Joshua 7:20-21 records Achan's confession, acknowledging his wrongdoing. The chapter concludes with Achan's punishment, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the need for holiness. Practical Applications Examine Your Heart Regularly assess your life for hidden sins that may hinder your relationship with God and affect those around you. Seek God in Times of Trouble When facing challenges, turn to God in prayer and seek His guidance, just as Joshua did. Value Accountability Surround yourself with fellow believers who can hold you accountable and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Pursue Holiness Strive to live a life that honors God, understanding that sin has serious consequences. Confess and Repent When you fall short, confess your sins to God and seek His forgiveness and restoration. People 1. Joshua The leader of the Israelites, who succeeded Moses. He is responsible for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and is central to the events of this chapter as he deals with the consequences of Achan's sin. 2. Achan A member of the tribe of Judah who disobeyed God's command by taking some of the devoted things from Jericho, which led to Israel's defeat at Ai. His actions are central to the narrative of Joshua 7. 3. Zerah The forefather of Achan, mentioned in the genealogy to identify Achan's lineage. Zerah is a descendant of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. 4. Carmi The father of Achan, also mentioned in the genealogy to trace Achan's family line. 5. The Israelites The collective people of Israel, who suffer a defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin. They are involved in the process of identifying and punishing Achan. 6. The Elders of Israel Leaders among the Israelites who accompany Joshua in mourning and seeking God's guidance after the defeat at Ai. 7. The Men of Ai The inhabitants of the city of Ai, who defeat the Israelites in battle due to the sin of Achan. In the original Hebrew text, names like "Achan" (עָכָן) and "Zerah" (זֶרַח) are significant as they connect to the broader narrative of Israel's history and lineage. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the communal consequences of individual sin. Places 1. Jericho Jericho is the city that the Israelites had just conquered prior to the events of Joshua 7. It is significant as the first major victory in the Promised Land, achieved through divine intervention. The Hebrew root for Jericho is "יְרִיחוֹ" (Yeriḥo), which is often associated with the word for "moon" or "fragrance." 2. Ai Ai is the city that the Israelites attempt to conquer after Jericho. It is located near Beth Aven, east of Bethel. The initial attack on Ai fails due to Achan's sin, highlighting the importance of obedience to God. The Hebrew root for Ai is "עַי" (ʿAy), meaning "heap of ruins." 3. Bethel Bethel is mentioned as a nearby location to Ai. It is historically significant as a place where Abraham and Jacob had encounters with God. The Hebrew root for Bethel is "בֵּית־אֵל" (Bethel), meaning "house of God." 4. Valley of Achor The Valley of Achor is where Achan and his family are brought for judgment. The name "Achor" means "trouble" in Hebrew, derived from the root "עָכָר" (ʿakar), reflecting the trouble Achan brought upon Israel. This valley becomes a symbol of the consequences of sin. Events 1. Achan's Sin The chapter begins with the Israelites being unfaithful by taking some of the devoted things. Achan, from the tribe of Judah, is specifically mentioned as having taken some of these items, which leads to the Lord's anger against Israel. The Hebrew term for "devoted things" is "cherem" (חֵרֶם), indicating items set apart for destruction or sacred use (Joshua 7:1). 2. Defeat at Ai Joshua sends men from Jericho to Ai to spy out the land. The spies report that only a few men are needed to capture Ai. However, when about three thousand Israelites attack Ai, they are defeated, and thirty-six men are killed. The Israelites flee, and their hearts melt in fear (Joshua 7:2-5). 3. Joshua's Lament Joshua tears his clothes and falls facedown before the Ark of the Covenant, along with the elders of Israel. He questions why the Lord brought them across the Jordan only to be defeated by the Amorites, expressing concern for the Lord's great name (Joshua 7:6-9). 4. The Lord's Response The Lord tells Joshua to stand up and reveals that Israel has sinned by taking some of the devoted things. The Lord explains that this is why they cannot stand against their enemies and instructs Joshua to consecrate the people and remove the sin from among them (Joshua 7:10-13). 5. Identification of the Guilty Party The Lord instructs Joshua to bring the tribes forward, and the tribe of Judah is taken. From Judah, the clan of the Zerahites is taken, then the family of Zimri, and finally Achan is identified as the guilty party (Joshua 7:14-18). 6. Achan's Confession Joshua urges Achan to give glory to the Lord and confess his sin. Achan admits to coveting and taking a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold, which he hid in his tent (Joshua 7:19-21). 7. Retrieval of the Stolen Items Joshua sends messengers to Achan's tent, where they find the stolen items hidden. They bring them back and lay them out before the Lord (Joshua 7:22-23). 8. Punishment of Achan Joshua and all Israel take Achan, the stolen items, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys, sheep, tent, and all that he has to the Valley of Achor. There, Achan and his possessions are stoned and burned. This act turns the Lord's fierce anger away from Israel (Joshua 7:24-26). Lessons from Joshua 7 1. The Consequences of Disobedience In Joshua 7, we see a clear example of how disobedience to God's commands can lead to dire consequences. Achan's decision to take forbidden items from Jericho resulted in Israel's defeat at Ai. This story reminds us that our actions have repercussions, not just for ourselves but for our community. As it is written, "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things" (Joshua 7:1). Let this be a lesson to always align our actions with God's will. 2. The Importance of Accountability Achan's sin was not just a personal failure; it affected the entire nation of Israel. This highlights the importance of accountability within a community. When one member strays, it can impact everyone. "Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them" (Joshua 7:11). We are called to hold each other accountable in love and truth, ensuring that we all walk in righteousness. 3. The Power of Confession When confronted, Achan confessed his sin, which is a crucial step in seeking forgiveness and restoration. Confession is powerful because it brings hidden sins into the light, allowing for healing and reconciliation. "It is true; I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel" (Joshua 7:20). Let us be quick to confess our wrongdoings and seek God's mercy. 4. The Necessity of Purity God's command to destroy the devoted things was a call to maintain purity among His people. This purity is essential for a close relationship with God. "You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove the devoted things from among you" (Joshua 7:13). We are reminded to rid our lives of anything that hinders our walk with God. 5. The Role of Leadership Joshua's leadership was pivotal in addressing the sin within Israel. He sought God's guidance and took decisive action to rectify the situation. "Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD" (Joshua 7:6). Effective leadership involves seeking divine wisdom and courageously leading others in righteousness. 6. The Impact of Sin on Community Achan's sin led to the defeat of Israel's army and the loss of lives. This illustrates how individual sin can have a ripple effect on the entire community. "The hearts of the people melted and became like water" (Joshua 7:5). We must be vigilant in our personal lives to prevent sin from affecting those around us. 7. The Call to Repentance God's response to Israel's sin was a call to repentance. He provided clear instructions for how to address the wrongdoing and restore His favor. "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow" (Joshua 7:13). Repentance is a turning away from sin and a turning back to God, a vital step in our spiritual journey. 8. The Justice of God The story of Achan demonstrates God's justice. While His mercy is abundant, He is also just and will not tolerate sin. "The LORD will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction" (Joshua 7:12). We are reminded of the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness. 9. The Value of Obedience Obedience to God's commands is crucial for experiencing His blessings and protection. The defeat at Ai was a direct result of disobedience, showing us the importance of following God's instructions. "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?" (Joshua 7:10). Let us strive to be obedient in all things, trusting in God's perfect plan. 10. The Hope of Restoration Despite the severity of the situation, God provided a path to restoration for Israel. Once the sin was addressed, He promised to be with them again. "I will no longer be with you unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction" (Joshua 7:12). This gives us hope that no matter how far we stray, God is always ready to restore us when we turn back to Him. Topics 1. The Sin of Achan Joshua 7 begins with the account of Achan's sin. The Israelites violated the command regarding the devoted things, as Achan took some of them, leading to the Lord's anger. The Hebrew term "ḥērem" (חֵרֶם) refers to things devoted to destruction or consecrated to God, highlighting the gravity of Achan's transgression. 2. Defeat at Ai The Israelites' attempt to conquer Ai ends in defeat due to Achan's sin. Joshua 7:5 states, "The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them and chased them from the gate as far as the quarries, striking them down on the slopes." This defeat underscores the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. 3. Joshua's Lament and Inquiry Joshua responds to the defeat with lamentation and prayer, seeking understanding from God. In Joshua 7:7, he questions, "O Lord GOD, why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to be destroyed?" This reflects a moment of crisis and a plea for divine guidance. 4. God's Revelation of the Sin God reveals to Joshua that Israel has sinned by taking devoted things. In Joshua 7:11, God declares, "Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them." The Hebrew word "ʿābar" (עָבַר) for "transgressed" indicates a crossing over or violation of a boundary, emphasizing the breach of covenant. 5. The Process of Identification God instructs Joshua on how to identify the guilty party. The process involves bringing the tribes, clans, and families before the Lord. Joshua 7:14 states, "In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe." This methodical approach underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for communal accountability. 6. Achan's Confession Achan is identified and confesses his sin. In Joshua 7:20, Achan admits, "It is true; I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel." The Hebrew word "ḥāṭā'" (חָטָא) for "sinned" conveys the idea of missing the mark, highlighting the moral failure. 7. The Punishment of Achan Achan, along with his family and possessions, is taken to the Valley of Achor and stoned. Joshua 7:25 records, "And all Israel stoned them with stones, and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones." This severe punishment reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for purification of the community. 8. Restoration of Favor Following the punishment, God's favor is restored to Israel. Joshua 7:26 concludes, "Then the LORD turned from His fierce anger." The Hebrew word "ḥārôn" (חָרוֹן) for "anger" indicates a burning wrath, and its turning away signifies reconciliation and the restoration of divine favor. Themes 1. The Consequences of Disobedience Joshua 7 highlights the severe consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The chapter begins with, "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi... took some of them" (Joshua 7:1). The Hebrew word for "unfaithfully" (מָעַל, ma'al) implies a breach of trust or treachery, emphasizing the gravity of Achan's sin and its impact on the entire community. 2. Corporate Responsibility and Sin The narrative underscores the concept of corporate responsibility, where the sin of one individual affects the whole community. In Joshua 7:11, God declares, "Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them." The use of "Israel" instead of just Achan indicates that the entire nation bears the consequences of the sin, reflecting the communal nature of the covenant relationship. 3. Divine Justice and Judgment The theme of divine justice is evident as God holds Israel accountable for the sin. Joshua 7:12 states, "Therefore the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been set apart for destruction." The Hebrew term for "set apart for destruction" (חֵרֶם, cherem) signifies something devoted to God for destruction, illustrating the seriousness of violating God's commands. 4. The Necessity of Repentance and Purification Repentance and purification are necessary to restore the relationship with God. In Joshua 7:13, God instructs Joshua, "Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow.'" The Hebrew root for "consecrate" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to set apart or sanctify, indicating the need for spiritual cleansing before God can bless the people again. 5. The Role of Leadership in Addressing Sin Joshua's leadership is crucial in addressing the sin within the camp. He takes decisive action by seeking God's guidance and confronting the issue directly. Joshua 7:16-18 describes how Joshua methodically identifies Achan as the culprit, demonstrating the importance of godly leadership in maintaining the community's holiness. 6. The Severity of Sin and Its Consequences The narrative illustrates the severity of sin and its far-reaching consequences. Achan's sin leads to the defeat at Ai and the loss of lives. Joshua 7:25 records the punishment: "And all Israel stoned him with stones." This harsh penalty reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and the need for justice to be served. 7. Restoration and Renewal After Judgment After dealing with the sin, there is a theme of restoration and renewal. Joshua 7:26 concludes with, "Then the LORD turned from His fierce anger." The turning away of God's anger signifies the restoration of the covenant relationship and the renewal of God's favor upon Israel, allowing them to move forward in their conquest of the Promised Land. Prayer Points Pray for a Heart of Obedience Ask God to help you live in obedience to His Word and to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. Pray for Forgiveness and Cleansing Seek God's forgiveness for any hidden sins and ask for His cleansing and renewal. Pray for Strength in Community Request God's guidance in building strong, accountable relationships with fellow believers. Pray for Holiness Ask God to help you pursue a life of holiness and to be a light in the world around you. Answering Tough Questions 1. How does Joshua 7:1 justify blaming the entire nation for one person's wrongdoing? 2. In Joshua 7:5, is there archaeological or historical evidence supporting the defeat at Ai and the specific number of casualties? 3. Why does Joshua 7:11 emphasize collective guilt when only Achan committed the offense? 4. How can Joshua 7:25 be reconciled ethically when Achan’s entire family is punished for his sin? 5. Does the aftermath in Joshua 7 (especially verse 26) align with known historical or cultural records of that era? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. In Joshua 7:1, Achan's sin is said to bring trouble on Israel as a whole. What does this verse teach us about the corporate nature of sin within a community? 2. Achan's sin led to defeat at Ai, which shocked Joshua and the elders. How can our individual actions affect the groups or communities we're part of? 3. Joshua reacted to the defeat with mourning and despair. Why did he react this way and what does it teach us about leadership and responsibility? 4. How does God's response to Joshua in Joshua 7:10-12 instruct us on moving forward after a setback or failure? 5. God knew who was guilty, yet He had Joshua cast lots to determine the guilty party. What might be the reason for this and how can this process be compared to our justice system today? 6. In what ways might we be tempted to take what isn’t ours, like Achan did, especially in our current society? 7. Achan hid the spoils of Jericho in his tent, thinking his sin was hidden. How does this story speak to the misconception that our hidden sins have no consequences? 8. How can Achan’s story serve as a reminder of the short-lived pleasure of sin compared to its long-term consequences? 9. How did Achan's confession in Joshua 7:20-21 reflect his understanding of his sin and its gravity? 10. How can we apply the lessons of Achan’s story to our own lives when dealing with temptation and sin? 11. How can this story help us understand the concept of personal accountability and its importance in a society? 12. What lessons can we learn from Joshua's leadership and his dealing with defeat and sin within his people? 13. How does Achan's story challenge us to think about the impacts of our private actions on our community? 14. Despite the heavy consequence of Achan’s sin, God’s anger was turned away after justice was served. How can this narrative be used to understand God's wrath and justice? 15. Why do you think Achan’s entire family was punished for his sin? How does this compare to our modern understanding of justice? 16. The chapter ends with a place being named the Valley of Achor, meaning trouble, in memory of this event. Why do you think it's important to remember such difficult times? 17. Can you share a personal experience when a hidden mistake or sin of yours affected the people around you? How did you deal with it? 18. How does Achan's story remind us of the importance of obedience to God's commandments in our daily lives? 19. How does Achan's action contrast with Rahab's action in the previous chapters? What does this say about the nature of decisions and their outcomes? 20. In this chapter, Joshua and the Israelites are taught a hard lesson about the importance of holiness and obedience. How can we learn from their experience and apply it in our contemporary lives? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions