The Story of Achan in the Bible
Once upon a time, in a land filled with wonders and tales, there unfolded a story that teaches us a very important lesson. It is a tale that comes straight from the Bible, and its hero—or rather anti-hero—is a man named Achan.
Today, let's dive into The Story of Achan in the Bible, a narrative that not only holds an important place in biblical history but also shows us the consequences of disobedience and the importance of honesty.
Introduction
In the lands of milk and honey, the children of Israel were promised a new and prosperous life. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, had led the people across the Jordan River, and with the help of the Lord, they conquered the mighty city of Jericho. However, nestled within this story of triumph and miraculous victories, lies a lesser-known tale wrapped in intrigue and an important lesson. It is The Story of Achan in the Bible, an account that causes us to ponder the choices we make and their ripple effects on those around us.
You see, children, every choice we make is like a pebble thrown into a pond; it creates ripples that can either be of peace and joy or of trouble and sorrow. As we embark on this story together, remember to listen closely, for wisdom whispers through the ages in these ancient words.
The Battle of Jericho
The story begins just after the magnificent walls of Jericho fell down (Joshua 6:20). The Israelites had witnessed a wonderful miracle. God had instructed them how to conquer this city, by marching around it for seven days, and on the seventh day, with the priests blowing trumpets, the walls came tumbling down.
Joshua, a man of God, was very clear on what the Israelites had to do after their victory. They were to destroy everything in Jericho as an offering to the Lord. They could keep the silver, gold, bronze, and iron for the treasury of the Lord’s house, but all other things were to be destroyed. This was a command from God, and to disobey was a sin.
Achan’s Sin
But among the Israelites was a man named Achan. His story starts quietly, almost unnoticeably, as he walks through the ruins of Jericho. As Achan moved through the rubble, his eyes caught a glimpse of shiny treasures. There, hidden beneath the debris, lay a beautiful Babylonian robe, 200 shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing 50 shekels. Achan knew it was forbidden, but the temptation was too strong.
He thought, “Surely, keeping a little for myself wouldn’t hurt? No one will ever know.” With a quick look around to ensure no one was watching, Achan took the treasures and hid them in his tent. This act of disobedience was a grave mistake (Joshua 7:1).
The Consequences Begin
Achan might have thought he got away with his secret, but there are no secrets from God. The Israelites, blissfully unaware of Achan’s actions, moved on to the next city, a smaller city called Ai. Joshua sent men to spy on Ai and they came back with a confident report. “Ai is small; we only need a few men to defeat it.”
However, the Israelites were in for a rude awakening. They were soundly defeated by the men of Ai and had to retreat. The hearts of the people melted in fear, which was exceptionally unusual given their recent successes. What went wrong?
Joshua was heartbroken and confused. He fell face down to the ground before the Lord’s Ark, seeking answers. “Why did You bring us across the Jordan if we were to fail?” he cried out.
God Reveals the Truth
God responded to Joshua (Joshua 7:10-12). “Get up! Israel has sinned. They have taken some of the devoted things. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.”
God then instructed Joshua on how to find the culprit. The next morning, Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel, and tribe by tribe, clan by clan, family by family, and man by man, they were presented before the Lord. When it was Achan’s turn, he was identified by God as the guilty party.
Achan’s Confession and Punishment
Faced with the undeniable presence of God and the questioning of Joshua, Achan could hide his sin no more. He confessed, “It is true; I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done…” He then told of the robe, the silver, and the gold, and where he had hidden them in his tent (Joshua 7:20-21).
The items were retrieved, and Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today.” Then, as was the custom in those days, Achan and all he had, including his family, were stoned and burned, leaving a pile of stones as a permanent reminder of the consequences of sin (Joshua 7:25-26).
Key Takeaways: Story of Achan in the Bible
- Obedience: God expects us to follow His instructions carefully.
- Honesty: It is always better to be honest, even when it seems no one is watching.
- Consequences: Our actions can have effects on not just ourselves but also on those around us.
- God’s Awareness: We cannot hide anything from God; He sees all that we do.
- Repentance: It is important to admit when we have done wrong and seek forgiveness.
Let’s Have Some Fun: A Treasure Hunt Game!
Now that we’ve learned about the importance of being honest with our treasures, let’s play a little game! Hide some “treasures” around your room and invite your family to find them—but there’s a twist! No one is allowed to keep the treasures they find unless they are honest about what they’ve found! This will help you remember Achan’s story and the importance of being truthful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did Achan take from Jericho?
Achan took a Babylonian robe, 200 shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing 50 shekels from Jericho. - Why did the Israelites lose the battle at Ai?
Because of Achan’s sin, God was not with the Israelites, which made them unable to stand against their enemies. - How was Achan's sin discovered?
God revealed the sin to Joshua and instructed him in a process to identify Achan. - What happened to Achan and his family?
Achan and his family were stoned to death and then burned as a consequence of his sin. - What can we learn from Achan’s story?
We learn the importance of obedience, the consequences of hidden sin, and the ripple effect our actions can have on others. - Why did Achan’s whole family suffer for his sin?
In ancient times, the family unit was seen as one; the actions of one member affected the entire family. It also served as a harsh lesson in collective responsibility and deterrence. - What does the pile of stones represent?
The pile of stones served as a memorial to the Israelites, a stark reminder of the consequences of disobeying God.
Thank you, children, for journeying with me through The Story of Achan in the Bible. It is my hope that you carry the lessons of this story with you, and remember, our actions always have greater consequences than we might think. Stay truthful, stay obedient, and always have courage to do what is right.
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