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:1a 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.
1bAchan means
troubler; also called
Achar in
1 Chronicles 2:7.
1cZabdi is a variant of
Zimri; also in verses 17 and 18; see LXX and
1 Chronicles 2:6.
5d Or
as far as Shebarim21e That is, Babylonia
21f200 shekels is approximately 5 pounds or 2.3 kilograms of silver.
21g50 shekels is approximately 1.26 pounds or 569.8 grams of gold.
26hAchor means
trouble.
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.
• By seizing what belonged to God, Achan effectively placed himself—and Israel—under that same ban.
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:
• 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).
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.
• Leadership must seek God before every venture. Joshua assumed Ai would be easy; he did not consult the LORD until after defeat (contrastJoshua 8:1).
• Achor—“trouble”; reminds every generation of the cost of rebellion.
• Herem—“devoted, banned”; anything God marks as His alone.
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.
Connections to Additional Scriptures
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Proverbs 28:13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Hebrews 12:1Therefore, 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 DisobedienceJoshua 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 GodJoshua'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 AccountabilityGod 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 RestorationGod 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 SinAchan'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 HeartRegularly assess your life for hidden sins that may hinder your relationship with God and affect those around you.
Seek God in Times of TroubleWhen facing challenges, turn to God in prayer and seek His guidance, just as Joshua did.
Value AccountabilitySurround yourself with fellow believers who can hold you accountable and encourage you in your walk with Christ.
Pursue HolinessStrive to live a life that honors God, understanding that sin has serious consequences.
Confess and RepentWhen you fall short, confess your sins to God and seek His forgiveness and restoration.
People
1.
JoshuaThe 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.
AchanA 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.
ZerahThe 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.
CarmiThe father of Achan, also mentioned in the genealogy to trace Achan's family line.
5.
The IsraelitesThe 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 IsraelLeaders among the Israelites who accompany Joshua in mourning and seeking God's guidance after the defeat at Ai.
7.
The Men of AiThe 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.
JerichoJericho 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.
AiAi 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.
BethelBethel 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 AchorThe 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 SinThe 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 AiJoshua 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 LamentJoshua 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 ResponseThe 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 PartyThe 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 ConfessionJoshua 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 ItemsJoshua 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 AchanJoshua 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
InJoshua 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 AchanJoshua 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 AiThe 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 InquiryJoshua 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 SinGod 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 IdentificationGod 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 ConfessionAchan 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 AchanAchan, 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 FavorFollowing 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 DisobedienceJoshua 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 SinThe 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 JudgmentThe 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 PurificationRepentance 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 SinJoshua'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 ConsequencesThe 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 JudgmentAfter 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 ObedienceAsk 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?
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