Scripture

By Doug Smith

Lesson text: Joshua 7:1, 10-12, 20-26

In today’s lesson we see that God had ordered everything in Jericho to be destroyed. Yet, Achan disobeyed by stealing and hiding some of the spoils of Jericho which was against God’s commands. Those spoils were referred to as the “accursed thing”.

The related scriptures for this lesson are: Deuteronomy: 7:23-26; Joshua: 7:13-19; 1 Samuel 15:1-31; 1 Timothy 6:6-10. In these scriptures, Deuteronomy 7:23-26, like Joshua, God told Moses that he would destroy their enemies, and none should be left alive. Their positions should be burned with fire, and that they should not take any of the spoils because they were an abomination. In Joshua: 7:13-19, God told Joshua to tell the people to sanctify themselves because an accursed thing was still among them, and the person which was to be in possession of that thing was to be burnt along with all of his possessions.

In 1 Samuel: 15:1-31, God clearly told Samuel to tell Saul to bring total judgement against the Amalekites. God’s heart was broken because of Saul’s disobedience. “ For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”(vs.23) Paul provides a stark warning,( 1Timothy 6: 6-10), about the dangers of greed and materialism. We learned that we should be content with God’s provision, because “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”.

Synopsis

By Janice Hall

Joshua, Chapter 7 is a humbling testimony to the seriousness of sin and not just in our own lives, but how others lives are effected. The life of Achan shows we cannot hide our sins from the Lord. The main threat was not an outside enemy, but corruption from within. Achan was a descendant of Zerah, the son of Judah and his name meant” He that troubleth”.

Achan coveted the “spoil” of the city of Jericho, took them, and hid them in the ground of his tent. Achan’s greed led to his disobedience and his disobedience brought tragedy to Israel, starting with the defeat in the battle at Ai.( Joshua 7:5). Joshua confronted Achan and he confessed of his wrongdoings. Joshua and all of Israel took Achan and all he had was brought to the Valley of Achor. There they were stoned and burned with fire.

God had not failed the nation, but the defeat was due to the sin of Israel. God said Israel had sinned, not just one man. Israel could not fight in God’s power and presence because of the disobedience. God entered into a covenant with the entire nation. If one member of the nation transgressed, then it’s as if all transgressed.

Practical Application

By Brittenne Boykin

Today’s lesson begins a new unit focusing on how disobedience will invariably bring disaster, and we find an all too familiar theme with Israel. God provided victory and once out of danger Israel disobeyed. What separates this incident from others is that it was one man’s disobedience that triggered God’s judgement. God had given Israel victory at Jericho, causing the very walls of the impenetrable city to fall before them. He asked of them only that they destroy everything and keep nothing of the accursed city for themselves. (Vs.10)

Achan saw an opportunity too good for his desire to pass up. He kept a few things for himself and took them into his tent (Vs21). God commanded Joshua to deal with Achan or He would not be with them anymore (Vs.12). Achan thought that because no one knew about what he had done that it would go unnoticed by God. Let us be reminded that God is aware of our disobedience even when others are not, and oftentimes our disobedience has consequences for those around us.

The text reminds us that even on the heels of major blessings and victory that we must not mismanage what God has instructed us to do. Let us pause this week and be mindful where and when we are tempted to go past the boundaries of what God allows.