This chapter can be a reminder that we face consequences because of the actions of others. However, it is also a reminder that there are times in our lives when there is something hidden in us: a secret sin or some other disobedience that is causing our troubles. It isn't that God can't help, but he won't because of our sin. This isn't God being mean. God is gracious many times despite our sins, but there comes a time when God says, "You have to deal with this." God had shown himself mighty to Israel, and therefore, Achan had no excuse for not trusting God. There comes a place when God has shown us mercy and accepts us to deal with our issues. God wants us to grow up. There comes a time when the parent says, "You have to clean yourself up," or else the child won't be able to function as an adult. God also wants us to grow up, and if we don't deal with the sin, then God teaches us the hard way.
A side note on Achan: Achan buried the treasure in his tent. It is logical to assume that everyone in his family knew he did this, and they said nothing. Therefore, it may be logical that though they didn't steal the treasure from God, they were accessories after the fact, which even in our system of law makes them guilty.
Photo by Nicola Carter on Unsplash
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