Joshua 7:25

"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.

Study Bible

Why have you brought this trouble upon us?
This phrase reflects the communal nature of sin and its consequences in ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "trouble" here is "עָכַר" (akar), which means to disturb or bring calamity. Achan's sin of taking the devoted things brought divine displeasure upon the entire nation, illustrating the interconnectedness of the community. In a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder of the corporate nature of sin and the importance of accountability within the body of Christ.

Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you
The repetition of the word "trouble" (akar) emphasizes the seriousness of Achan's actions and the divine justice that follows. The LORD's response is immediate and decisive, underscoring His holiness and the necessity of purging sin from among His people. This reflects the biblical principle that God is just and will not tolerate sin within His covenant community. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance.

So all Israel stoned Achan with stones
The communal execution of Achan by stoning, a method prescribed in the Law for certain transgressions, highlights the gravity of his sin and the collective responsibility of the people to uphold God's commands. The Hebrew word for "stoned" is "סָקַל" (sakal), which indicates a form of capital punishment meant to remove evil from the community. This act of judgment serves as a deterrent against future disobedience and reinforces the seriousness with which God views sin.

and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones
The burning of Achan and his possessions signifies complete destruction and purification. Fire, in biblical terms, often represents God's judgment and the purging of sin. The Hebrew word "שָׂרַף" (saraph) means to burn or consume, symbolizing the total eradication of the offense from Israel. This act serves as a powerful visual of the consequences of sin and the necessity of holiness among God's people. In a conservative Christian view, it underscores the call to live a life set apart, free from the entanglements of sin, and wholly devoted to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, executing God's judgment.

2. Achan
An Israelite who disobeyed God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho, causing Israel to suffer defeat at Ai.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, collectively responsible for upholding God's covenant and laws. They participate in the execution of judgment upon Achan.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demands holiness and obedience from His people. His justice is enacted through the events of this passage.

5. Stoning and Burning
The method of execution used for Achan and his family, signifying the severity of sin and the need for purification from evil within the community.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Achan's account illustrates that sin is not just a personal matter but affects the entire community. Sin must be dealt with decisively to maintain holiness.

Obedience to God
The passage underscores the importance of complete obedience to God's commands. Partial obedience or hidden sin can lead to severe consequences.

Communal Responsibility
The Israelites' involvement in Achan's punishment highlights the community's role in upholding God's standards and maintaining purity.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God's justice is evident in the punishment of Achan, His mercy is seen in the restoration of Israel's favor after the sin is addressed.

Repentance and Restoration
The account encourages believers to confess and repent of sin, trusting in God's willingness to restore and bless His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Achan's sin affect the entire community of Israel, and what does this teach us about the communal impact of individual sin?

2. In what ways does the account of Achan parallel the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and what lessons can we draw from these parallels?

3. How can we apply the principle of communal responsibility in our own church or community settings today?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in obedience to God's commands, both individually and collectively?

5. How does understanding God's justice and mercy in this passage help us approach our own failures and the need for repentance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:10
This passage outlines the punishment for leading Israel into sin, emphasizing the communal responsibility to purge evil.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice, paralleling Achan's disobedience and its consequences.

Acts 5:1-11
The account of Ananias and Sapphira, which similarly deals with deceit and the severe consequences of sin within the early church.