Joshua 7:19-21, 25-26
19 Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, tell the truth. Confess to the Lord, the God of Israel. Tell me what you did, and don't try to hide anything from me."
20 Achan answered, "It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I did:
21 Among the things I saw was a beautiful coat from Babylonia and about five pounds of silver and more than one and one-fourth pounds of gold. I wanted these things very much for myself, so I took them. You will find them buried in the ground under my tent, with the silver underneath."

25 Joshua said, "I don't know why you caused so much trouble for us, but now the Lord will bring trouble to you." Then all the people threw stones at Achan and his family until they died. Then the people burned them.
26 They piled rocks over Achan's body, and they are still there today. That is why it is called the Valley of Trouble. After this the Lord was no longer angry.

Achan caused God to be angry at all of Israel. He had given specific instructions to not take any of the spoils of war. Achan apparently did not think this applied to himself.

How many times in today's world do we see people committing sins, publicly admitting it and then continuing on with life as if nothing had happened? I am amazed that Achen felt convicted enough to admit his wrong doing and was still stoned. What if that were to happen today? What if we stoned those in public office who admitted that they had done unspeakable things? Would there be less sin? Would people take God's commands more seriously, or would they try even harder to not have to confess?


The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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