“Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? And that man perished not alone in his iniquity.”
Context: The book of Joshua records the events that took place after Moses’ death, as Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 22, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh had been granted land on the east side of the Jordan River. They had fulfilled their commitment to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan and were now returning home.
Achan’s Trespass: The verse refers to an incident that occurred earlier in Joshua 7. Achan, from the tribe of Judah, had taken some of the devoted things (or accursed things) from Jericho, contrary to God’s command. As a result, Israel suffered a defeat in battle against the city of Ai. The sin of one individual affected the entire nation, and God’s wrath was poured out upon them.
Consequences of Achan’s Sin: Joshua 22:20 highlights the consequences of Achan’s sin. Achan’s disobedience caused God’s anger to be kindled against Israel, resulting in their defeat in battle. This incident demonstrates the seriousness of sin and its potential impact on the community. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the need for corporate responsibility.
The Warning: By referring to Achan’s trespass, the tribes on the west side of the Jordan were cautioning their brethren on the east side against similar transgressions. They were concerned that if the tribes on the east side of the Jordan rebelled against God, His wrath would fall upon them all, just as it had on the entire congregation because of Achan’s sin.
Lessons for us:
- The impact of sin: Achan’s sin had severe consequences for both himself and the entire nation. It reminds us that our actions have repercussions, and sin affects not only us but also those around us.
- Obedience to God: The story of Achan reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. God expects His people to follow His instructions faithfully and not to deviate from His ways.
- Corporate responsibility: Joshua 22:20 underscores the concept of corporate responsibility. We are interconnected as believers, and our actions can have a collective impact. We should be mindful of how our choices and behavior can affect the broader community of believers.
In summary, Joshua 22:20 serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, the importance of obedience to God, and the need for corporate responsibility within the community of believers.
