Read Joshua 7
Now that
Israel has conquered Jericho, they are ready to continue advancing into Canaan.
Their next target is Ai. After sending spies, Joshua determines that Ai will be
an easy victory. Only two or three thousand men need to go to battle. It should
have been a simple victory. So why did Ai win, killing thirty-six of Israel’s
men? This was Joshua’s question. He approached the Lord in a state of mourning
to inquire about this. The answer was simple. God had decreed a ban on the
things of Jericho and somebody in Israel had disobeyed. Somebody stole goods
under the ban and deceived the rest of Israel. Because of this the entire
nation was living under judgment. God’s help and protection did not go with
them in battle against Ai.
Thus,
the entire nation is called forth. First the tribe of Judah is chosen by lot.
Then the family of the Zerahites. Next, the household of Zabdi, and finally,
the lot falls to Achan. As all is revealed, we find out that Achan had indeed
stolen goods from Jericho and was hiding them under his tent. Joshua pronounces
judgment. Achan, along with all living things in his household and all of his
goods are to be stoned and then burned with fire. No trace of Achan’s sin may
remain in the camp.
This
passage contains a piece of information that many people struggle to accept. In
verse 24 we see that Achan’s sons and daughters are stoned for his sin. In
order to interpret this verse we need to take it in context of what the entire
Bible says on this topic. Some passages seem to indicate that God does punish
children for their parents’ sins (Exodus 20:5, 34:6-7). Others clearly state
that each person will have to give account for their own sins, not for anyone
else’s (Ezekiel 18:20, Deuteronomy 24:26). God’s Word is infallible, so both of
these statements must be true. The key lies with the difference between
consequence and punishment. Nobody will face punishment for anyone else’s sins.
We must each face judgement for our sins alone (unless we are cleansed by
Jesus’ blood, which sets us free from eternal judgment!). However, it is true
that children do feel the effects of their parents’ sins. For example, if one
parent commits adultery, surely the children will be affected. Joshua 7:24
shows Achan’s children receiving punishment, so we can reason that they have
also sinned. While we must hold our thoughts loosely if they are not explicitly
written in the Bible, it is safe to assume that Achan’s children knew about
their father’s sin. The objects in question were stored under the floor of his
tent – not exactly a concealed hiding spot. If Achan’s children knew about his
sin and did not bring it to light then they were guilty of lying. They chose to
hide their father’s sin over ensuring the well-being of their entire nation.
Prayer
and Journaling
1. God is the same yesterday, today and
forever (Hebrews 13:8). If he dealt justly with sin in the Old Testament we can
be assured that He will deal justly with sin in our lives. Ask the Holy Spirit
to search your heart for hidden sin. Confess this to God and ask for His forgiveness.
2. Jesus is so good to us. If we confess our
sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Meditate on this truth today. You do not have to
live under condemnation if Christ has set you free!
3. Go back to your blessings list again. What
does it say about God’s character that He would choose to bless us in these
ways? Write your answer down in your journal and thank God for who He is.
