sin of Achan

Sin of Achan – How One Man’s Sin Can Cause Grief to a Nation

sin of Achan
sin of Achan

What was the sin of Achan?

Why did it affect the tribe of Israel so greatly?

In this Bible study lesson, under the great leadership of Joshua, we see how the mighty Israel flees from battle in fear.

People are killed – all because of one man.

Let’s learn about Achan, who disobeyed God.

And, we’ll discover how the sin of one person can cause pain to others.

Sin of Achan – Cause & Effect of One Man

What happened to the mighty tribe of Israel who tore down the walls of Jericho, and took possession of the promised land, when they faced the soldiers of Ai?

They Ran in Fear!

This is only one effect caused by the disobedience and sin of one man – Achan.

The Bible teaches us today in Joshua what happened to him and his family. And, we’ll find how his sin had an effect on an entire nation.

Achan Admits His Sin – Joshua 7:1-27

Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I implore you, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.”

So Achan answered Joshua and said, “Truly, I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel, and this is what I did: when I saw among the spoil a beautiful mantle from Shinar and two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold fifty shekels in weight, then I coveted them and took them; and behold, they are concealed in the earth inside my tent with the silver underneath it.” – Joshua 7:19-21 NASB

About the Battle of Jericho – What Does This Have to Do with The Sin of Achan?

Briefly, when Israel defeated the city of Jericho, God had commanded them to destroy everything. And, this included the silver, gold and any other items of value.

Achan gave in to greed. He disobeyed God. Then, disobedience led to punishment of a nation.

The Sins of One Man

We might think this harsh. But, God had His reasons for commanding Israel not to take certain items from the battle.

Everything that had happened up till now was accomplished through the faith and obedience of the people, and their leaders.

Simply put, when they followed God; they won. When they disobeyed God; they lost. This story is no different.

The sins of one man (Achan) caused a profound effect on many others. In fact, these actions altered an entire nation.

God Is Slow to Anger – But ..

As we see all through the Old Testament, God does everything He can to help His chosen people. But, they continue to lose faith, and to disobey His commandments.

Before Christ came, bad things happened when the people sinned. Yes, consequences of our actions are still valid.

But, we have the forgiveness of God through Jesus.

In this incident, some of the consequences were that people died in battle. Joshua questioned his own faith – and God.

The mighty army of God fled from battle in fear. This was a far cry from the taking of Jericho, one of the most heavily fortified cities in Canaan.

How about Christians? Do We See Consequences of Sin?

sin of Achan
sin of Achan

Yes, just as the people of Israel were blessed when they did away with the sin, we as Christians see rewards when we turn away from our sin.

We become liberated, and more able to follow the great things God has planned for our lives.

And no, we don’t lose our salvation when we sin.

But, sin & doubt can keep us from doing what we need to do in God’s will.

Can I handle my own sin? No!

Can you?

Yes, Christ can!

Love in Christ

– Bob

If you would like to know more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to see John 3:16 now.