SIN REVEALED
Joshua 7:10–23
When I played soccer in college, our coach told us that we were most vulnerable to be scored on in the five minutes after we had scored. Why? Because he knew that we would get caught up celebrating and let down our defense. What can happen on the soccer field can also happen on the battlefield. In Joshua 6, we saw the complete conquest of Jericho in an extraordinary fashion.
Following that awesome victory, Joshua sent out spies to bring back news of Ai. Based on their report and following the utter defeat of Jericho, Joshua and his military advisers sent just 3,000 men to capture Ai. Unfortunately, they were soundly defeated. Chapter 7 reveals the reason for the defeat: The children of Israel had sinned.
Covenant Violated (10–15)
When news of this unexpected defeat reached the camp, “the people lost heart” (v. 5). They were riding high, and now they had the wind knocked out of them. Joshua’s response was to mourn this loss by tearing his robe and putting ashes on his head. He spent the day seeking answers from the Lord.
The loss caused Joshua to question the wisdom of crossing the Jordan River. Their reputation of invincibility was now destroyed, and word of their defeat would travel far and wide in the land. They would no longer be feared. God’s response to Joshua’s mourning was to say, “Stand up!”
God stated clearly that the defeat occurred because there was sin in the camp. Someone had broken the covenant with the Lord by taking some of the things that were to be set aside for the Lord. They needed to identify the thief and deal with the sin before they could count again on the blessings of the Lord. God instructed the people to consecrate themselves and come before Him. The sin and the perpetrator would be identified.
This was a pivotal moment for the children of Israel as they were taking these first steps into the promised land. Joshua could not allow them to live compromised lives and to tolerate sin.
Achan Revealed (16–19)
Joshua did as the Lord commanded and began with the tribe of Judah. Starting at the tribal level, he then filtered down through the clans and families and through divine revelation ultimately settled on Achan. He challenged Achan to confess. Proverbs 28:13 says, “The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.”
Achan could have come to Joshua to confess and return the forbidden items the day before. However, he waited until he was confronted by the Lord and Joshua. How foolish for us to hide our sin! This story is as old as Adam and Eve.
Confession Made (20–23)
When Achan stood before Joshua, he knew his sin had been discovered, so he finally confessed. He shared where he had hidden the treasure.
The stolen items were recovered and brought before Joshua and the children of Israel.
According to the command of God, Achan, his family and his livestock were killed, and all of his possessions were destroyed. After the sin was dealt with, God’s anger was assuaged and He once again was leading, empowering and protecting Israel as they continued the conquest of the promised land.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
