The wages of sin - O le taui o le agasala

Scripture Focus: Iosua 7:16-26

So Joshua rose up early in the morning and brought Israel near by their tribes. The tribe of Judah was selected. He brought near the family of Judah; and he selected the family of the Zerahites. He brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man, and Zabdi was selected. He brought near his household man by man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. Joshua said to Achan, “My son, please give glory to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and make confession to him. Tell me now what you have done! Don’t hide it from me!” Achan answered Joshua, and said, “I have truly sinned against Yahweh, the God of Israel, and this is what I have done. When I saw among the plunder a beautiful Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, then I coveted them and took them. Behold, they are hidden in the ground in the middle of my tent, with the silver under it.” So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent. Behold, it was hidden in his tent, with the silver under it. They took them from the middle of the tent, and brought them to Joshua and to all the children of Israel. They laid them down before Yahweh. Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his cattle, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had; and they brought them up to the valley of Achor. Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? Yahweh will trouble you this day.” All Israel stoned him with stones, and they burned them with fire and stoned them with stones. They raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Yahweh turned from the fierceness of his anger. Therefore the name of that place was called “The valley of Achor” to this day.
- Joshua 7:16-26 (WEB)

Study:

This passage recounts the story of Achan's sin after the conquest of Jericho. Despite clear instructions from God not to take any of the devoted things, Achan covets and steals from the plunder. His hidden sin causes Israel to suffer defeat, as God's presence departs due to disobedience. Upon discovery, Achan confesses, and the entire community is called to judgment. The severity of the consequences—loss of life and possessions—demonstrates the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin within the covenant community. This story reminds us that sin has consequences not only for the individual but also for the community, disrupting God’s blessings and presence.

Application:

Today, Achan’s story warns us about the dangers of hidden sin and disobedience to God’s commands. Sin can secretly mar our witness and hinder God's blessings in our lives and communities. Like Israel, we are called to live in obedience and holiness. Confession and repentance restore our relationship with God and remove the barriers caused by sin. This passage encourages believers to examine their hearts honestly and live with integrity, valuing God’s holiness above personal gain.

Reflection Questions:

• What are some ways hidden sins might affect my life or my community?
• How can I cultivate a heart that desires to honor God above material things?
• In what ways does this story challenge me to be more honest and transparent before God and others?
• How does understanding the seriousness of sin motivate me to seek forgiveness and restoration?
• What steps can I take to encourage accountability in my faith community?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your holiness and justice. Help me to recognize the sin in my heart and to confess it honestly before You. Teach me to live in obedience and integrity, trusting Your grace and mercy. Strengthen me to resist temptation and live a life pleasing to You, so I can be a blessing to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: sin, Achan, Joshua 7, confession, repentance, obedience, holiness, Bible study, Christian living, covenant community, integrity, judgement, forgiveness