Joshua 7:1, 5–8, 10–15

Explore the Bible 
Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

ACCOUNTABILITY DARE

Joshua 7:1, 5–8, 10–15
You and I are accountable for our actions. In fact, we are answerable for our thoughts, our words and our deeds. But to whom do we answer? Who holds us accountable? Is it our parents, our spouse, our pastor, our Sunday School teacher, our boss, our neighbor? Or are we simply answerable to God?

Many American believers today presume upon God’s grace. We assume that God is obligated to forgive us. We consider it easier to ask forgiveness than permission, especially when we know the answer is no. We have no shame.

Such was the case of Achan, a soldier in Israel’s army. Thirty-six of his fellow infantrymen died in battle as a result of his selfishness. Achan, his wife and children would die because of his “secret” sin that no one was supposed to discover. Until Achan was held accountable, the nation was in danger. 

Sin is Serious (1, 5)
Materials and individuals devoted to God belong to Him (Lev. 27:28–33). When Jericho was defeated, the possessions collected were not for gaining individual wealth. They were devoted to God. Achan, of the tribe of Judah, stole clothing and objects of precious metal which were set apart for God’s purposes. As a result, God brought judgment on a nation for the sin of one man.

Presumption, pride and personal sin resulted in men dying in the battle of Ai. Joshua presumed, failing to pray for God’s direction in this campaign. The soldiers were prideful, assuming that only part of the army would suffice for the engagement. Achan’s larceny affected his fellowship with God, his troops and eventually his family. The immediate results were that 36 men died, and the rest of the troops ran for their lives.

Turn to God (6–8)
Joshua and the 70 elders entered into a time of public repentance, mourning before God. Each man covered himself with dust as a sign of humility, and Joshua tore his robe in anguish. Israel had sinned against God, and the elders knew it.

Note that they did not blame God, nor did they accuse Him of being unfair. Joshua acknowledged God’s faithfulness. He also recognized that an army in retreat does not demonstrate the favor of God. Most importantly, though, Joshua turned to God, asking how He would defend His own honor. In brokenness, Joshua asked God to glorify Himself through His people.

Deal with Sin (10–13)
The Torah was broken. Laws given at Mount Sinai that governed the covenant with Israel had been abandoned (Lev. 27). Israel had not kept the stipulations of this conditional agreement with God. Now God would withdraw His blessing until the judgment on sin was administered.  

God was clear in His covenant with Israel. If they sought after Him, He would bless them with everything they needed. If they disobeyed Him, He would curse them (Deut. 28:15–68). Of particular significance, Israel would suffer military defeat and flee from its enemies as a sign of God’s condemnation (Deut. 28:25). They were a nation under judgment until they dealt with the sin among them.

Sin is Costly (14–15)
The man responsible for stealing from God would be executed for his crime against God. He would be hunted down by tribe, by clan, and finally by family. He would be confronted publicly before the assembly. He would be called to account for his crime and to confess. He would be put to death. His wife would die. His sons would die. His daughters would die. Their bodies would be burned and then buried under a large pile of stones as a reminder of the event. Sin has a price.

Christians know that sin was costly to Jesus. Somehow we have forgotten that the cost of sin is high for us. The penalty of sin has been paid, but the consequences of sin still devastate families. There is no secret sin.