The Sin of Achan: Trouble in the Camp

The Book of Joshua recounts the glorious entry of the children of Israel into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, but also inhabited by formidable enemies. Under the leadership of Joshua, the successor to Moses, Israel experienced a series of miraculous victories, none more awe-inspiring than the fall of Jericho. This initial triumph, achieved not by military might but by divine intervention, set a powerful precedent for God's faithfulness and Israel's obedience. Yet, immediately following this monumental success, a dark shadow fell over the camp, bringing unexpected defeat and divine displeasure. This shadow was cast by the sin of one man, Achan, whose transgression brought "trouble in the camp" and serves as a profound warning for all generations regarding the seriousness of sin, both individual and corporate.

The Divine Mandate and the Accursed Thing

Before the assault on Jericho, the Lord gave Joshua specific instructions regarding the spoils of the city. Jericho, as the firstfruits of the conquest, was to be wholly devoted to the Lord, a "cherem" or "accursed thing" to all but God. This meant that all its inhabitants were to be destroyed, and all its silver, gold, and vessels of brass and iron were to be consecrated to the treasury of the Lord. Nothing was to be taken for personal gain, lest the entire camp become accursed.

And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.

Joshua 6:18

This command was clear, absolute, and publicly declared. It was not merely a ceremonial decree but a profound spiritual principle: God's holiness demands complete separation from that which is defiled. To touch the accursed thing was to partake in its curse, bringing defilement and trouble upon the community. The victory at Jericho was a testament to God's power when His people were obedient; their subsequent actions would test their faithfulness.

The Defeat at Ai: An Unexpected Setback

Flushed with the triumph at Jericho, Joshua sent a small contingent of about three thousand men to conquer the city of Ai, which seemed a minor obstacle. The spies reported that Ai was small and easily conquerable, prompting a casual approach. However, what should have been an easy victory turned into a humiliating defeat. The men of Ai pursued the Israelites from the gate, smiting about thirty and six men, and causing the hearts of the people to melt and become as water.

So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai: and the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

Joshua 7:4-5

Joshua and the elders of Israel were utterly distraught. They tore their clothes, fell to the earth before the ark of the Lord, and cried out in anguish, questioning why God had brought them over Jordan only to deliver them into the hands of their enemies. Their lament was genuine, but it revealed a misunderstanding of the true cause of their distress. They attributed the defeat to God's abandonment rather than to a breach of His covenant within the camp.

God's Unveiling: Sin in the Camp

In response to Joshua's fervent prayer, the Lord's answer was immediate and stark. He did not offer comfort or reassurance in their despair; instead, He revealed the bitter truth: "Israel hath sinned." The defeat at Ai was not a sign of God's withdrawal, but a direct consequence of disobedience within the covenant community. God made it unequivocally clear that He would not be with them unless the accursed thing was removed from their midst.

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.

Joshua 7:10-11

The Lord then instructed Joshua on the process of identifying the transgressor. Through a solemn ritual involving the casting of lots, the guilty party would be singled out, tribe by tribe, family by family, household by household, and finally, man by man. This methodical revelation underscored God's omniscience and His demand for holiness within His people. No sin, however hidden, escapes His notice, and unconfessed sin ultimately brings judgment upon the community.

Achan's Confession and the Dire Consequences

As the solemn process unfolded, the lot fell upon the tribe of Judah, then the family of the Zarhites, then the household of Zabdi, and finally, upon Achan, the son of Carmi. Confronted by Joshua, Achan confessed his transgression. His confession was not spontaneous remorse but a compelled admission of guilt, revealing the insidious nature of covetousness.

When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

Joshua 7:21

Achan's sin originated in his eyes ("when I saw"), progressed to his heart ("then I coveted them"), and culminated in his actions ("and took them; and, behold, they are hid"). He stole from God, lied by concealing his theft, and brought trouble upon all Israel. The stolen items were indeed found precisely where Achan said they were. The gravity of Achan's sin necessitated a severe and public judgment to purge the evil from the camp and restore God's favor. Achan, along with his family and all his possessions, were brought to the valley of Achor (meaning "trouble"). There, they were stoned with stones and burned with fire, and a great heap of stones was raised over the spot as a perpetual memorial.

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.

Joshua 7:26

Only after this decisive act of purification did the Lord's anger turn away from Israel, and He restored His presence and blessing to the camp. The "trouble" was removed, and Israel was once again ready to move forward in God's plan.

Lessons from Achan's Sin: A Warning for Today

The account of Achan serves as a timeless and potent warning for believers and the Church today. Its lessons are profound and multi-faceted:

  • The Seriousness of Individual Sin: Achan's sin was not a private matter; it had devastating corporate consequences. One man's disobedience led to the defeat of an entire army and the death of thirty-six men. This reminds us that in the body of Christ, individual sin can hinder the spiritual progress and blessing of the entire community. 1 Corinthians 12:26 states, "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it."
  • God's Holiness and Justice: God is not to be trifled with. His commands are serious, and His justice is unwavering. He demands holiness from His people and will not tolerate that which is an "accursed thing" in their midst. This calls us to a deeper reverence for God and a commitment to personal purity.
  • The Deceitfulness of Covetousness: Achan's sin began with covetousness – a desire for forbidden things. This lust of the eyes and the flesh led to theft, deceit, and ultimately, destruction. The Bible frequently warns against covetousness, equating it with idolatry (Colossians 3:5). We must guard our hearts against the allure of worldly possessions and forbidden desires.
  • Hidden Sin Cannot Remain Hidden: Achan thought his sin was secret, buried in his tent. But God sees all. "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). There is nothing hidden from the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:13). True repentance involves bringing sin into the light, confessing it, and forsaking it.
  • The Principle of "Trouble in the Camp": Just as Achan troubled Israel, unaddressed sin within a church or Christian community can hinder its effectiveness, block God's blessing, and cause spiritual defeat. This emphasizes the importance of church discipline, accountability, and a collective commitment to holiness. When trouble arises, the first question should be, "Is there an 'accursed thing' in our midst?"
  • The Necessity of Purification: God's anger was only turned away after the sin was dealt with decisively. For the church today, this means actively confronting sin, calling for repentance, and, when necessary, exercising biblical discipline to maintain the purity and testimony of Christ's body.

    • The story of Achan is a stark reminder that God's grace does not negate His holiness, nor does His mercy overlook unconfessed sin. May we, as individuals and as the Church, learn from "The Sin of Achan: Trouble in the Camp," ensuring that our lives and communities are free from "accursed things," so that God's presence and blessing may rest fully upon us.