Joshua 7:21

When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath."

Study Bible

When I saw among the spoils
The Hebrew word for "saw" is "ra'ah," which implies not just a physical seeing but a perception or understanding. Achan's sin began with his eyes, a reminder of the biblical principle that sin often starts with what we allow ourselves to see and desire. The "spoils" refer to the plunder from Jericho, which was under a ban (herem) and meant to be devoted to God. This highlights the sacredness of what God has claimed for Himself and the seriousness of violating His commands.

a beautiful cloak from Shinar
The "cloak" or "mantle" is described as "beautiful," indicating its allure and the temptation it posed. Shinar is an ancient name for Babylon, a place often associated with wealth and idolatry in the Bible. This cloak represents not just material wealth but a connection to a culture opposed to God's ways. The allure of worldly beauty can often lead believers away from God's commands.

two hundred shekels of silver
The "shekel" was a standard unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel. Two hundred shekels of silver would have been a significant amount, representing substantial wealth. Silver, often associated with redemption in the Bible, here becomes a symbol of Achan's greed and disobedience. It serves as a reminder that wealth, when pursued outside of God's will, can lead to spiritual downfall.

and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels
Gold, a symbol of purity and value, is here a temptation leading to sin. The "bar" or "tongue" of gold weighing fifty shekels signifies a considerable fortune. In biblical times, gold was often used in the temple and for sacred purposes, yet Achan's misuse of it underscores the perversion of what is meant to be holy when it is taken for selfish gain.

I coveted them and took them
The word "coveted" comes from the Hebrew "chamad," meaning to desire or take pleasure in. This is the same word used in the Tenth Commandment, warning against coveting. Achan's confession reveals the progression of sin: from seeing, to desiring, to taking. This sequence is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desires leading to actions that defy God's commands.

Behold, they are hidden in the ground inside my tent
The act of hiding the stolen items "in the ground" signifies an attempt to conceal sin, a futile effort since nothing is hidden from God. The "tent" represents Achan's household, implicating his entire family in the consequences of his sin. This serves as a sobering reminder of how personal sin can affect the community and family.

with the silver underneath
The detail of the "silver underneath" suggests a deliberate attempt to obscure the full extent of the sin. It highlights the deceitfulness of sin, which often involves layers of concealment. This phrase serves as a metaphor for how sin can be deeply buried in our lives, requiring divine intervention to bring it to light.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Achan
A member of the tribe of Judah who disobeyed God's command by taking forbidden items from the spoils of Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai.

2. Shinar
A region in ancient Mesopotamia, often associated with wealth and idolatry, from where the coveted cloak originated.

3. Jericho
The city whose walls fell after Israel's obedience to God's command, marking a significant victory for Israel.

4. Ai
The city where Israel faced defeat due to Achan's sin, highlighting the consequences of disobedience.

5. Joshua
The leader of Israel who sought to rectify the situation by addressing the sin in the camp.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Covetousness
Coveting leads to sin and separation from God. Achan's desire for material wealth resulted in severe consequences for himself and the community.

The Importance of Obedience
God's commands are given for our protection and blessing. Disobedience, as seen in Achan's account, brings about negative repercussions.

Hidden Sin Affects the Community
Achan's sin was not just a personal failure but impacted the entire nation of Israel, showing that our actions have communal consequences.

Repentance and Restoration
While Achan faced judgment, the account encourages us to seek repentance and restoration with God when we fall short.

The Allure of Worldly Possessions
The cloak from Shinar symbolizes the temptation of worldly allurements that can lead us away from God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Achan's account illustrate the process of temptation and sin as described in James 1:14-15?

2. In what ways can covetousness manifest in our lives today, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the communal impact of Achan's sin challenge us to consider the broader effects of our personal actions?

4. What steps can we take to ensure obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, especially when faced with temptation?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Achan's account to foster a culture of accountability and repentance within our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3
The account of the fall of man, where Eve saw, coveted, and took the forbidden fruit, parallels Achan's actions.

Exodus 20:17
The commandment against coveting, which Achan violated, leading to his downfall.

1 Timothy 6:10
The warning about the love of money being the root of all kinds of evil, which is evident in Achan's desire for wealth.

James 1:14-15
The process of temptation leading to sin and death, mirroring Achan's journey from desire to action to consequence.