Joshua’s account of Achan’s sin and Ai’s defeat serves as a “part two” of the Israelites’ time in Jericho. Immediately following Israel’s victory over Jericho, we read of disobedience and God’s declaration to no longer be with Israel unless they removed what was set apart for Him (Joshua 7:12). God demonstrated His holiness by punishing sin, and through this story, we see the reality of God’s judgment and our need for a Savior.
What does this passage teach us about God? How do we see God’s faithful deliverance in this story despite His people’s sin?
First, we witness God’s justice and holiness in this passage. Before entering Jericho, God gave His people these instructions: “But keep yourselves from the things set apart, or you will be set apart for destruction. If you take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and make trouble for it” (Joshua 6:18). God had already spoken about the consequences of disobedience. Because He is holy and likewise calls His people to pursue holiness, the Israelites were to purge the sin from among them.
The Lord had promised victory to His people if they would walk in His ways. The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding God’s command to set Jericho’s spoils apart for destruction. Sadly, their disobedience led to punishment.
Lead boys and girls to see that this story does not end with dismal destruction; rather, we see the Lord faithfully keep His promise to deliver His people from their enemies. God set Achan apart for destruction, just as He said He would. Destruction, however, does not have to be our end. By placing faith in Jesus, the punishment we deserve has been placed on God’s Son instead. Remind kids of God’s faithfulness in providing a sacrifice on our behalf and an eternal victory secured in His Son—a victory that transforms hearts and frees people from the destruction they deserve.
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