Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan…took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel.
The Lord had given a clear command: the city of Jericho is under the ban; everything in it is accursed and given to God. Therefore, leave nothing alive, and do not take anything for yourself. Do not plunder. Keep yourself from the accursed thing, or the thief and all Israel will come under the curse, and trouble will follow [6:17-18].
But Achan trespassed, and stole clothing and gold from the accursed city. Covetousness and greed were the cause of his sin, but the basic trespass of Achan was disobedience. He disobeyed God’s clear command. Surely he thought no one will notice and nobody will miss it, so he could take it for himself and thought he could get away with it. But God found him out and exposed him. He suffered the extreme penalty: he and his family were stoned and burned.
Achan’s trespass brought trouble: Israel thought they could easily take the city of Ai but they were routed and driven back. Achan’s disobedience was the direct cause of their defeat. Who knew? God! Who knew the terrible consequences of Adam’s sin and disobedience? Not only was Achan’s trespass terrible for his family, but it was devastating for the whole nation of Israel. One sin on our part can have far-reaching effects on us and innocent victims. The people of God are a solidarity.
The Son of God died for our trespasses. Therefore, repent and believe the Gospel. “Forgive us our trespasses.”