Achan: Sin in the Camp

Jeremy Northrop

            It is easy for some to reason their sins do not affect anyone but themselves. The account recorded in Joshua 7 about Achan proves otherwise. Joshua 7 reveals the sin of Achan had effects on Israel as a nation. The principle is that children of God must consider what their actions will do to others. The idea that one person’s sin only has an effect on that person is simply not true.

            The story of Joshua 7 really begins in Joshua 6:19. The Israelites had defeated Jericho and God commanded the spoils of war be consecrated to Him. Unfortunately, Achan was not willing to obey God on this matter. Joshua 7:1 says Achan, “took of the accursed things, so the anger of the Lord burned against the children of Israel.” Joshua sent some of his soldiers to spy out the land of Ai. They returned and reported “the people of Ai are few” (7:4). As they determined to go and overthrow Ai in the next few verses, the Bible says 3000 men went up to conquer Ai. The people of Ai actually killed thirty six of the men and “the hearts of the people melted and became like water” (7:5). Joshua mourned and even cried out to God thinking it should have been easy for Israel to overthrow Ai. God informed Joshua why they were unsuccessful. The first three words of Joshua 7:10: “Israel has sinned.” God then commanded Joshua to get the accursed things out of the camp or Israel would not stand justified before God until this matter is resolved (7:13). It was revealed to the camp that Achan was to blame for their defeat at Ai. Joshua 7:21 says that Achan “saw…coveted…took…and hid” the spoils which God had said belonged to Him. In verse 26, the Lord restored Israel to a good relationship with Him when Israel (together) punished Achan for his sin. As long as Israel was in partnership with Achan, they would not stand right before God. This story teaches some truly important lessons about sin which are still applicable today.

The CAUSE of Sin

            In the case of Achan, he saw and lusted after something he could not have. The spoils did not belong to him. James wrote people are tempted when they are “drawn away by their own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14). Achan admited his sin in Joshua 7:21, “When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it.” John divided sin into three types: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1John 2:16). Achan was certainly guilty of the lust of the eyes.

            The people were also in sin. God said, “Israel has sinned,” not, “Achan has sinned” (Joshua 7:10). Achan’s sin might include things like pride, presumption, prayerlessness, and a variety of other things. Israel was in sin because of their partnership with Achan. It is no wonder Paul commanded, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Does the sin of one man have effects on those around him? God certainly says so!

The CURSE of Sin

            The very idea that sin only has an effect on the person sinning is extremely wrong. Sin always brings dishonor to God. God has never had any tolerance for sin. He cannot even look on sin (Habakkuk 1:13). God further explained Israel’s sin in Joshua 7:10 when He said, “…they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them.” Israel sinned against God. More than that, Achan sinned against his brethren. Because of the sin of one man, 3000 men were defeated by a small group (Joshua 7:5). Thirty six of the 3000 men lost their lives. Thirty six families were directly affected by the sin of Achan that day. How many women and children were made widows and orphans that day? Achan’s sin certainly had an impact on others besides himself. The effect it had on Achan, however, was bad enough. His actions brought disgrace to his character. In the end, Achan lost his life because of his sin. Today, those who will not repent will lose their souls in eternity because of sin (Romans 6:23).

The CONSEQUENCES of Sin

            There are, of course, erring brethren today. Often times, it is easy for the faithful to pray for them, visit them, and even exhort them. However, the story of Achan also teaches prayer must move to action. Joshua 7:25 says, “…all Israel stoned him with stones.” In order for Israel to be cleansed, everyone had to take part in the punishment of Achan. Verse 26 says, “The Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger.” There are always consequences to sin. The consequences can be personal or the consequences can have an effect on the group. Did Achan’s sin only have an effect on him? Certainly not! Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”