Joshua 7, Achan and the Valley of Achor

There was no mercy for Achan and his loved ones. He was clearly warned. And just to note, the same with Hiel of Bethel (1 Ki. 16:34) who rebuilt Jericho and lost 2 sons (Josh 6:26).  Hiel was warned.

We also see that in the sin of Achan the “children of Israel” also sinned (7:1).  The anger of the Lord burned against the “children of Israel.”  The nation suffered (36 died in the failed attack on Ai) until the nation resolved the issue.  (Today, abortion, though perpetrated by a few, is a national sin, being permitted by law.)

Here are a few additional thoughts about this story.

1.    Faith is never about the numbers, nor is it about the wisdom of man (v3).  Faith is always about our relationship with God.  In this case I am reminded of an old hymn: nothing between my soul and the Savior.  And in this case, those who sinned must be eradicated.  Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed among you (7:12).  The NT tells us that evil must be destroyed.  Put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Col. 3:5; cf. Rom. 8:13, put to death the deeds of the body).

2.    At first the prayer of Joshua is unbelievable (v7). At the first turn of events, he sounds like Israel in the 40 years of wandering.  But then, he sounds like Moses making intercession for the people, pleading with God to glorify Himself (v9).

3.    Note the gracious and firm conversation of Joshua with Achan:

o   My son: Joshua didn’t deny that Achan was an Israelite.  This was a family issue.

o   Give glory to the Lord: This is always the issue for us, in every situation.  We must do that which glorifies God.  Joshua does not tell Achan how to glorify God; he instead lays the issue on Achan.

o   I have sinned against the LORD: Achan responds properly.  When we sin, we do not glorify God if we tell half-truths or make excuses.  We glorify God by open and clear confession.

o   I coveted – and took: God is glorified when we acknowledge details.  Confession is not only making a statement of good theology (my sin was against the LORD).  It is also a statement of honesty.

4.    The Valley of Achor (7:24,26):  “Achor” means trouble or disturbance.  It is spoken of three other times in the OT.   First, it was part of Judah (Josh. 15:7).  Second and third, the prophets spoke of it in a very positive manner in Messiah’s reign, that it would be a place where herds lie down (Isa. 65:10) and that it would be a “door of hope” (Heb. Petah Tikvah) in the regathering of the nation (Hos 2:15).  We will include a photo from Rimonim Lookout that overlooks the area.  The Valley is in the middle of the photo with the Jordan River beyond that.  Jericho is just out of view to the right.