Joshua 7: "Do Not Covet What Belongs to God"

Joshua 7: "Do Not Covet What Belongs to God"

"But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the LORD's anger burned against Israel."

After crossing the surging Jordan and conquering the seemingly impregnable Jericho, Joshua and the Israelites must have been soaring with confidence. They likely felt immense pride in having God as their steadfast supporter, protector, and guide.

Joshua set his sights on Ai as the next target. He sent spies who reported that only two or three thousand men would be needed - no need to tire the whole army. Following this advice, Joshua sent three thousand men, but they were defeated with thirty-six casualties.

Joshua pleaded with God, asking if He had brought them across the Jordan only to hand them over to the Amorites for destruction. God revealed why they had been defeated: someone had stolen items that were meant to be devoted to God.

Through casting lots, Joshua identified the culprit: Achan, son of Karmi, grandson of Zimri, of the tribe of Judah. Achan confessed to coveting and taking a beautiful robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, which he had buried beneath his tent.

Joshua took Achan, his family, all the stolen items, and his livestock to the Valley of Achor, where they were stoned and their remains piled into a heap.

The consequence for disobeying God's command to put all plunder into His treasury (6:18-19) was severe and heavy. For the Israelites entering Canaan to fight against foreign nations, absolute faith and obedience to God were essential. As a nation militarily, culturally, and economically weaker than the Canaanites, Israel's only hope for survival lay in complete trust in the Lord of Hosts.

Disobedience driven by desire, like Achan's, couldn't be taken lightly. God's order is destroyed by greed. Material desires, power hunger, authority cravings - all these belong to God. Returning everything to God is the beginning of fearing Him. Let us hope to become people who control our desires and maintain God's order by not coveting what belongs to Him.

Prayer: Good and righteous God, Achan's material greed led his family to death. That desire caused defeat in battle and took thirty-six lives. Lord, help us remember that our greed can destroy our community and Your order. Grant us wisdom and self-control to manage our desires. Holy Spirit, make us strong and courageous. Amen.