Hamlet famously complained that “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” Joshua found that something was rotten in Canaan, within his own people. After devoting himself to God, and after a miraculous victory at Jericho, Joshua's army suffered a defeat in Ai. Israel was enjoying what we'd call a “comfortable lead” only to have victory snatched away in a sudden reversal. Victory was so assured that the entire army of Israel was not required--utilizing economy of force, a principle of warfare...yet they were routed by the enemy and had no fortified cities to hide in! This was more than a set-back; God had assured Israel of victory. So what went wrong? The problem wasn't a superior enemy, but sin in the camp. Israel would've been routed regardless of their numbers.
When we're not getting the desired results, the problem may well be us. I've talked to people who've stopped coming to church, and often the reason is: one person in the congregation upset them. Just one. And they are only hurting themselves by staying away. But the damage is done. Let's not be the person who causes someone to stumble spiritually.
Jonathan Edwards is known for his fiery sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” We don't like to think of God in such terms. He is a loving, merciful God--but He hates sin. Israel became what Achan stole--that which is destined for destruction. And they experienced God's anger burning aginst them.
The defeat at Ai was a shock, and it got Joshua's attention! Why didn't God tell Joshua immediately? To show how sin's consequences affect us all. Joshua felt personally responsible. He prayed in verses 7-9, yet his prayer sounds much like a complaint...which is OK; God can handle our frustrations. Joshua had a legitimate complaint as he was totally unaware of the cause of his defeat. God had promised victory. This was a shameful, dishonorable defeat that was liable to tarnish even God's reputation, His “name” (9) among the nations. These are words of despair, bewilderment, not unbelief. Complaining to God isn't the same as complaining about God. That's what Israel did in their wilderness wanderings.
We can complain, but we'd be better off to fear. Nothing could be more frightening than to hear God say (verse 12) “I will be with you no more, unless you destroy what is devoted to destruction.” “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29), which means we need to take sin seriously.
Achan was the culprit; he was a soldier of Joshua's army; he was on the right side of the conflict, but he disobeyed the rules of engagement--namely, no looting. When we're not satisfied with what God has given us we're tempted to covet...maybe even to steal. Achan saw some of the forbidden spoil, was tempted, and kept it for himself. It should have gone into the Tabernacle treasury. The fact that Achan hid the plunder shows he knew he was in the wrong. Garrison Keillor noted, “Most people have done worse things in secret than anything anyone can falsely accuse them of.” The Epistle of James cautions, “desire gives birth to sin, which gives birth to death” (1:15). Achan had, “in effect, become a Canaanite by his actions” (Howard). And Israel became defiled. Are there times when we appear more like the unbelieving world in our actions?
In war, it is often permitted to take some mementos. I have a bottle of Iraqi sand a scud fragment from Desert Storm. No unexploaded ordinance was allowed, and to be sure soldiers didn't take any, as we prepared to leave there were random checks of dufflebags on the tarmac. After being given an opportunity to turn in unapproved items, MPs found ordinance in a few bags of 82nd Airborne troops...so they made everyone empty their bags for inspection. Everyone was inconvenienced because of a few. This is similar to what happened in Canaan, where one person's sin affected the entire nation.
We're told that Achan acted “unfaithfully” in verse one; that's the same Hebrew word that's used to describe adultery. This was not a petty crime. The theft was a serious betrayal of trust. It was like stealing from the church offering plate. More significantly, it was a breaking of the sacred covenant God made with Israel. A covenant is more than a mere contract; it is a promise based on a relationship of trust. “By this action, Israel has become the enemy rather than the people of God” (Hubbard). Achan robbed the nation of its purity.
There are times when nations needs to be called to repentance. The nation of Israel had been defiled and had to reconsecrate themselves to remove their shame, verse 13. God then directed Israel to participate in identifying the thief, to show their involvement in the sin committed. Achan was singled out and he confessed his sin. Achan didn't make a mistake or exercise poor judgment; he selfishly stole what wasn't his. And the penalty was harsh: he and his family were executed. Then a pile of stones were heaped over them as a reminder of the consequences of sin. The fashion of the burial was humiliating by ancient practice; it marked one who came to a dishonorable end. The stones reminded Israel that they were a community accountable to God.
When there is sin in a church, we tend to be lax about it. “Live-and-let-live” we say, so we tolerate perhaps more than we should. There needs to be some confrontation if we truly care about others, some church discipline. When we see someone we love headed towards destruction, we should warn them and encourage them to choose the right path. We need to be careful ourselves...we sin when we want what we want, regardless of the consequences.
Sin is not just a broken law but a broken relationship. We don't sin against commandments; our sin is a wrecked relationship with God and with one another. Many think that their personal sin is OK so long as it doesn't harm others. Sin always affects others. If you lived alone on an island, maybe it wouldn't, but “no man is an island,” and family and friends are hurt by what we do. And keep in mind, “We aren't punished for our sins as much as we are punished by our sins” (Bolz-Weber). When tempted, we need to ask ourselves 3 questions: “How might this affect me, others, and the cause of Christ?”
Numbers 32 warns, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (32:23). God's punishment upon Achan (and his family and possessions) seems severe...and it was, because sin is a serious matter. Sin is rebellion. Sin is covenant-breaking. Sin is choosing to go our way and reject God's way. And sin has consequences. Our sin may not be spectacular, but it slowly separates us from the Light.
God allowed all Israel to be hurt by the sin of one man. God didn't take such harsh action every time Israel sinned. If He had, there'd be no Israel today. He did so with Achan to get Israel's attention. God takes sin seriously, even if we do not. He takes it so seriously that His son took sin's punishment for us. Let's trust the One who took on the penalty of our sins, and find in Him pardon and new life!
