Joshua 7:26

KJV

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they raised {H6965} over him a great {H1419} heap {H1530} of stones {H68} unto this day {H3117}. So the LORD {H3068} turned {H7725} from the fierceness {H2740} of his anger {H639}. Wherefore the name {H8034} of that place {H4725} was called {H7121}, The valley {H6010} of Achor {H5911}, unto this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Over him they piled a great mound of stones, which is there to this day. Finally ADONAI turned away from his fierce anger. And this is why that place is called the Valley of Akhor [trouble] to this day.

Berean Standard Bible

And 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 Achor to this day.

American Standard Version

And they raised over him a great heap of stones, unto this day; and Jehovah turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 7:26 provides the solemn and decisive conclusion to the Achan incident, a pivotal moment in Israel's early conquest of Canaan. This verse meticulously records the establishment of a permanent memorial—a great heap of stones—over the site of Achan's execution, signifying the severe judgment exacted for his transgression. Crucially, it explicitly states that, upon this act of justice, the LORD immediately turned from the fierceness of His anger, thereby restoring divine favor to the Israelite community. Furthermore, the verse formally names the location of this profound event as "The Valley of Achor," a designation that would forever serve as a poignant and enduring reminder of the trouble brought by disobedience and the subsequent, necessary turning of God's wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 7:26 concludes a harrowing narrative arc that begins immediately after Israel's miraculous victory at Jericho. Following God's explicit command to devote all plunder from Jericho to Him, Achan secretly disobeys, taking forbidden items for himself ([Joshua 6:18](/joshua/6-18 "Joshua 6:18 - Command to Devote Jericho to the LORD")). This individual act of covenant breaking brings corporate judgment upon the entire nation, leading to a humiliating defeat at Ai and the loss of 36 Israelite lives. The subsequent inquiry, divine revelation, Achan’s confession ([Joshua 7:20-21](/joshua/7-20 "Joshua 7:20-21 - Achan's Confession")), and his execution alongside his family in the Valley of Achor ([Joshua 7:24-25](/joshua/7-24 "Joshua 7:24-25 - Achan's Execution")) form the immediate backdrop. Verse 26 serves as the definitive resolution, marking the moment God's anger is appeased and Israel is once again ready to move forward in their conquest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Joshua 7 unfold within the framework of ancient Near Eastern holy war, specifically the concept of *herem* (devotion to destruction or consecration). This practice mandated that certain conquered cities and their spoils be entirely dedicated to God, often by destruction or by being placed in the treasury, with any personal appropriation being a severe sacrilege. Stoning, as described in this passage, was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel for offenses considered to be direct affronts to God or the community's covenant with Him, such as idolatry or blasphemy. The raising of a heap of stones over the condemned was a well-attested practice, serving as a permanent, visible memorial and warning to future generations, underscoring the gravity of the transgression and the consequences of violating divine commands.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. It vividly demonstrates **Divine Justice and Holiness**, revealing God's absolute intolerance for sin within His covenant community and His righteous anger when His commands are violated. The **Consequences of Disobedience** are starkly highlighted, as Achan's individual sin brings corporate judgment upon the entire nation, illustrating the profound interconnectedness within the covenant people. Crucially, the verse also underscores the theme of **Restoration of God's Favor**; once the sin is identified, confessed, and dealt with, God's anger is explicitly stated to have turned away, allowing Israel to regain divine blessing and continue their mission. Finally, the "great heap of stones" and the naming of "The Valley of Achor" serve as a **Lasting Memorial**, a perpetual reminder of the cost of disobedience and the unwavering importance of covenant fidelity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Achor (Hebrew, _‘akhor_):** This proper noun, which becomes the name of the valley, directly translates to "trouble," "calamity," or "disaster." Its etymological significance is paramount to the narrative, as it memorializes the "trouble" that Achan brought upon Israel through his sin and the "trouble" that befell him as a result of divine judgment. The naming of the valley ensures that the story's core lesson—the severe consequences of disobedience—is perpetually embedded in the geographical landscape and the collective memory of the people.
* **Unto this day (Hebrew, _‘ad hayyom hazzeh_):** This recurring phrase in the historical books of the Old Testament serves to emphasize the enduring reality and historical veracity of the event being described. In Joshua 7:26, its double occurrence ("unto this day" regarding the stone heap and the valley's name) underscores that the physical memorial and the name "Achor" were still present and recognized by the original audience. It validates the account as a historical fact and reinforces the lasting impact and perpetual warning of Achan's story for generations to come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day."** This clause describes the immediate, physical act following Achan's execution. The "great heap of stones" (Hebrew: גַּל אֲבָנִים גָּדוֹל, _gal ‘avanîm gadol_) served as a permanent, visible monument. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such stone heaps could mark graves, boundaries, or significant events, often with a connotation of memorial and warning. Here, it is a stark, enduring testament to the communal judgment rendered against Achan, a perpetual reminder of the severity of his sin and its consequences.
* **"So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger."** This is the pivotal theological statement of the verse. The word "So" (Hebrew: וַיָּשָׁב, _wayyashav_, "and he returned/turned") indicates a direct causal link: the execution of justice, the removal of the defilement from the camp, directly resulted in the cessation of God's intense wrath. This signifies the restoration of God's favor and presence among His people, allowing them to proceed with their divine mission. It highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, where sin is punished, but repentance and purification lead to reconciliation.
* **"Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day."** This final clause formally names the location of Achan's judgment. The naming of the "Valley of Achor" (meaning "trouble") is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, ensuring that the place itself would forever embody the narrative of the trouble Achan caused and the trouble he experienced. The repetition of "unto this day" reinforces the lasting impact of this event, embedding its lesson into the very geography and collective memory of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 7:26 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Etymology**, as the naming of "The Valley of Achor" is directly derived from the Hebrew word for "trouble," creating a perpetual linguistic memorial that links the place to the event. This serves as a constant reminder of the consequences of Achan's sin. **Symbolism** is powerfully utilized through the "great heap of stones," which functions as a visible, enduring symbol of judgment, a warning against disobedience, and a marker of the resolution of divine wrath. The **Repetition** of the phrase "unto this day" emphasizes the historical veracity of the account and the lasting impact of the events, grounding the theological lesson in tangible reality for the original audience. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Contrast**, setting the initial victory at Jericho against the subsequent defeat at Ai, and then resolving this tension through the judgment in the Valley of Achor, thereby highlighting the critical importance of covenant fidelity for Israel's success.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 7:26 stands as a profound testament to the unwavering holiness and justice of God, demonstrating that sin, especially within a covenant community, incurs serious consequences that affect not only the individual but the collective. It underscores the principle that God's presence and blessing are contingent upon the purity and obedience of His people. The turning of God's anger signifies His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant, revealing that while He justly punishes sin, He is also ready to restore favor once the defilement is removed and justice is served. This passage profoundly illustrates that God's character demands that sin be addressed and removed for His people to experience His full blessing and presence.

* [Deuteronomy 21:22-23](/deuteronomy/21-22 "Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - Cursed on a Tree")
* [Leviticus 20:2](/leviticus/20-2 "Leviticus 20:2 - Stoning for Molech Worship")
* [Hosea 2:15](/hosea/2-15 "Hosea 2:15 - Valley of Achor as a Door of Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Achan and the Valley of Achor, culminating in Joshua 7:26, offers timeless and challenging lessons for believers today. It compels us to confront the pervasive nature of sin and its far-reaching consequences, reminding us that even "hidden" transgressions can have detrimental effects not only on our personal walk with God but also on the spiritual vitality and effectiveness of our communities. God's holiness remains an unchanging attribute, demanding that sin be taken seriously and addressed, not excused or minimized. This passage calls us to cultivate a profound reverence for God's character and to pursue personal and corporate purity, understanding that our individual choices contribute to the overall spiritual health of the body of Christ. Just as God's anger turned from Israel after the sin was dealt with, so too does He offer restoration and forgiveness when sin is genuinely confessed and forsaken, paving the way for renewed blessing and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Achan's story challenge our understanding of individual versus corporate responsibility within the community of faith today?**
* **In what ways might unconfessed or unaddressed sin in our personal lives, or within our churches, hinder God's blessing or progress in His mission?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness and a more serious view of sin in a culture that often minimizes its gravity?**
* **What "valleys of Achor" (places of past trouble, failure, or consequence) in our lives might God desire to transform into "doors of hope" through His grace and our obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why was Achan's entire family punished along with him?**

Answer: The punishment of Achan's entire family, as described in [Joshua 7:24-25](/joshua/7-24 "Joshua 7:24-25 - Achan and His Family Executed"), reflects several aspects of ancient Israelite society and divine justice. Firstly, it highlights the concept of corporate solidarity, where the family unit was seen as an extension of the individual, and the actions of the head of the household could bring consequences upon the entire family. Secondly, it's possible, though not explicitly stated, that Achan's family members were complicit in his sin, either by knowing about the hidden plunder and failing to report it, or by actively assisting him in concealing it. The text states they were "brought out with him," suggesting a shared fate in the judgment. Finally, this severe act underscores the extreme gravity of Achan's sin—violating the *herem* and bringing defilement upon the entire camp—which necessitated a complete eradication of the "trouble" from Israel to restore God's favor.

**Does God still get "fiercely angry" today, similar to His anger in Joshua 7?**

Answer: Yes, God's character is unchanging, and His holiness still demands a response to sin. The Bible consistently portrays God as righteous and just, with a holy wrath against evil and rebellion. However, the manifestation and outworking of His anger have been profoundly transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. For those who are "in Christ," God's wrath against their sin has been fully satisfied by Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). While God's anger still burns against unrighteousness in the world, believers are no longer under condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Instead, the "fierceness of His anger" is now directed at sin itself, and for those who reject Christ, it remains a future reality ([John 3:36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - Wrath of God Remains")). For the Church, the lesson of Achan's sin is not that God will destroy us for every transgression, but that sin is still serious, grieves God, and hinders His work, calling us to repentance and purity through the grace provided in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The solemn judgment in the Valley of Achor, where God's fierce anger turned away from Israel only after the complete removal of sin, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Achan's sin brought trouble and death to Israel, requiring a public execution and a lasting memorial of judgment. In stark contrast, the sin of humanity brought spiritual death and separation from God, but Christ, the innocent [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full fierceness of God's wrath on the cross. Just as the stones were heaped upon Achan, the judgment for our sin was laid upon Christ, who was [made a curse for us](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse"). Through His perfect sacrifice, God's anger is eternally turned away from all who believe in Him, not by human action or a physical memorial, but by the shedding of divine blood. The Valley of Achor, a place of trouble, was later prophesied by Hosea to become a "door of hope" ([Hosea 2:15](/hosea/2-15 "Hosea 2:15 - Valley of Achor as a Door of Hope")), a prophecy ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who transforms our valleys of sin and despair into gateways of grace, new life, and eternal communion with God. He is the true and final resolution to the problem of sin, enabling us to walk in the freedom and favor that Israel could only glimpse in the turning of God's anger.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 2:15

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 65:10

And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.

Deuteronomy 13:17

And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers;

2 Samuel 18:17

And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

Joshua 8:29

And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, [that remaineth] unto this day.

Lamentations 3:53

They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and cast a stone upon me.

Joshua 7:24

And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.