Joshua 7 · Grade 4

Hidden Sin, Public Trouble

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Read and Think

Joshua 7 begins with a warning: the children of Israel committed a trespass, for Achan took some of the devoted things. Not knowing this, Joshua sent about three thousand men against little Ai. They fled, about thirty-six were struck down, and the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

Joshua tore his clothes and cried out to Yahweh. God's answer was direct: Israel has sinned. One man's hidden act affected the whole nation, because God's people belong together and His holiness is serious.

Joshua brought the tribes near, and Achan was taken. Joshua urged him, My son, please give glory to Yahweh. Achan confessed that he saw the things, coveted them, took them, and hid them. Achan was put to death by stoning as God's judgment, and Yahweh turned from His fierce anger. The place was called the valley of Achor, after Joshua's words, Why have you troubled us?

Show What You Know

Why did Israel lose at Ai?
Why did one man's act affect the whole nation?
What four steps did Achan confess?
What words of Joshua are linked to the name Achor?

Think About It

Achan's sin began with looking and wanting. How can we stop sin before it grows?
Why is confessing sin to God better than hiding it?

Memory Verse

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!”

Joshua 7:19 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for forgiving me when I confess. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How did one man's sin hurt everyone?
What does coveting mean?