Joshua 7:20

And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:

Joshua 7:20 (KJV)

Context

Joshua 7 tells how Israel suffered defeat at the city of Ai. After their great victory at Jericho, the people felt confident in their own strength. But the Lord withheld success because one man, Achan, had taken forbidden things from Jericho. Joshua asked the Lord for guidance, and through the casting of lots, Achan was identified as the guilty one. In this verse, Achan answers Joshua with a direct confession.

Meaning

Achan begins with the word “Indeed.” This is a strong and honest admission. He does not deny the charge or try to soften it. He says plainly, “I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel.” Notice that he names the Lord God of Israel, not just Joshua or the people. His sin was first against God, because God had given a clear command about the devoted things. The phrase “thus and thus have I done” means he is ready to tell the whole story. He does not hide any part of it. His confession is full and open.

Biblical connections

In Joshua 6:18-19, God had commanded that all the silver, gold, and vessels of bronze and iron from Jericho were to be set apart for the Lord. Achan took some of these devoted things, and that disobedience brought trouble on the whole nation. In the previous verse, Joshua 7:19, Joshua urged Achan to “give glory to the Lord God of Israel” by making confession. This shows that honest confession honors God, because it agrees that He knows all things and judges rightly. Achan’s confession, however, came only after his sin was exposed. It was not a voluntary turning to God before being caught. This reminds us that hidden sins are never hidden from God.

Application

Achan’s example teaches us several important lessons. First, sin is serious in God’s eyes. It separates us from Him and can hinder His blessings. Second, we must take personal responsibility for our actions. Achan did not blame others or make excuses. Third, confession requires honesty and transparency. We must be genuine when we admit our sins to God and to those we have wronged. Fourth, confession is the first step toward repentance and seeking forgiveness. The Lord is merciful and ready to forgive those who come to Him with a sincere heart, as 1 John 1:9 promises. Finally, we must remember that confession does not remove all earthly consequences. Achan’s sin caused Israel’s defeat at Ai and led to his own punishment and that of his family. Even after we confess, we may still face the results of our choices. Therefore, we should think carefully before giving in to temptation.

Reflection

Achan’s confession is a sober reminder that God sees everything. We cannot hide our sins from Him, and we should not try. True confession means naming our sin honestly and acknowledging it against God first. It is better to confess quickly and sincerely than to wait until we are exposed. Let us learn from Achan’s mistake and live with integrity, confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness without delay.