Joshua Chapter 7 — The Defeat at Ai and Achan's Sin
After a surprising military defeat at Ai, Joshua discovers that an Israelite named Achan stole forbidden items from Jericho, leading to a national crisis and Achan's eventual judgment.
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Notable Verses
Joshua 7:11
“Israel has sinned. Yes, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them. Yes, they have even taken some of the devoted things, and have also stolen, and also deceived.”
This verse explains the spiritual reason behind Israel's physical military defeat at Ai.
Joshua 7:21
“When I saw among the plunder a beautiful Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, then I coveted them and took them.”
Achan's confession provides a classic description of the progression of temptation from seeing to coveting to acting.
Chapter Summary
Following the fall of Jericho, Joshua sends a small contingent of three thousand men to conquer the city of Ai. Unexpectedly, the men of Ai defeat the Israelites, killing thirty-six men and causing the hearts of the people to melt in fear. Distraught, Joshua and the elders fall before the Ark of the Lord to seek answers. The Lord reveals that the defeat occurred because Israel had violated the covenant by taking 'devoted things' that were meant for destruction. To identify the transgressor, the tribes are brought forward one by one until Achan, of the tribe of Judah, is selected. Achan confesses to stealing a Babylonian robe, silver, and gold, which he hid in the ground beneath his tent. As a consequence for bringing trouble upon Israel, Achan and his household are taken to the Valley of Achor, where they are executed and buried under a heap of stones, after which the Lord's anger is turned away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Israel was defeated because they lost God's protection after Achan took 'devoted things' from Jericho. The text states that the Lord's anger burned against the children of Israel because of this hidden transgression.
Achan confessed to taking a beautiful Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels. He hid these items in the ground inside his tent.
The name Achor means 'trouble.' It was named this because Joshua told Achan that the Lord would trouble him just as he had troubled Israel.
Study Note
The Hebrew word for 'devoted things' (herem) refers to objects that are completely set apart for God, meaning they cannot be used for personal gain and must be destroyed or given to the sanctuary.
Related Chapters
Joshua Chapter 6
This chapter details the conquest of Jericho and the specific command regarding devoted things that Achan violated.
Joshua Chapter 8
Following the events of chapter 7, Israel returns to Ai and successfully captures the city.
Numbers 32:23
This chapter contains the warning that one's sin will find them out, a theme central to the discovery of Achan.
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