Disobedience and Its Consequences

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.

— Joshua 7:1

The Israelites had just experienced a miraculous victory at Jericho. God’s instructions were clear: they were to destroy all that was in the city, except for the items designated for the treasury of the Lord (Joshua 6:18-19). These instructions were meant to keep the people pure and prevent them from being corrupted by the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites. However, one man, Achan, decided to disobey. His sin brought God’s anger upon the entire nation.

This incident reminds us of the gravity of sin and disobedience. God had given explicit commands, not to burden the Israelites, but to protect them. The “accursed things” represented objects associated with pagan worship and practices. By taking these items, Achan not only disobeyed God but also brought the influence of these pagan practices into the camp of Israel. God’s anger was not a response to petty disobedience but to a serious breach that threatened the spiritual health of His people.

Israel’s defeat at Ai, a seemingly insignificant city, highlighted the severe consequences of disobedience. They could not be defeated by their enemies as long as they obeyed God. However, their own disobedience opened the door to defeat. This teaches us that our greatest threat often comes not from external forces but from our own failure to follow God’s commands. Sin, when harbored in our lives, weakens our spiritual defences and invites God’s corrective judgement.

We must learn from Israel’s mistake. God takes sin seriously, even if we do not. The story of Achan serves as a sobering reminder that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves but for our community as well. As believers, we are called to live in obedience to God’s Word, avoiding anything that would lead us into sin. By doing so, we protect ourselves from spiritual defeat and maintain the purity and strength of our faith community.

PRAYER