How Can One Man’s Sin Impact an Entire Nation? (Joshua 6-8)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Have you ever wondered why sin is so devastating?

In this passage, we see a powerful contrast. First, Joshua and the Israelites reach the Promised Land. After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites arrive at the walled city of Jericho. Some archaeologists estimate these walls were over nine feet thick, thirteen feet high,^[1] and had a circumference of nearly 2,000 feet. Marten Woudstra writes, “The length of the column that marched around the city is not known. This would depend also on its depth. In view of the large numbers of marchers one must assume that the head of the column had long returned to the camp when the others were still marching.”^[2] The population could have been anywhere from several hundred to 3,000. After circling the city for seven days as God instructs, Joshua 6:20-21 says,

²⁰ So the troops shouted, and the rams’ horns sounded. When they heard the blast of the ram’s horn, the troops gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. The troops advanced into the city, each man straight ahead, and they captured the city. ²¹ They completely destroyed everything in the city with the sword—every man and woman, both young and old, and every ox, sheep, and donkey.

From here, Joshua instructs the Israelites to kill everyone in the city and bans them from keeping anything. If you have questions on the morality of this command, I’d recommend Paul Copan’s book, Is God a Moral Monster? In this case, God has determined the people of Jericho are committed to wickedness. However, as Joshua 6:25 says, “Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, her father’s family, and all who belonged to her, because she hid the messengers Joshua had sent to spy on Jericho, and she still lives in Israel today.”

Then, in Joshua 7:1, we notice a plot twist when it says, “The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things set apart for destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the Lord’s anger burned against the Israelites.”

The striking part of this verse is the last word, “Israelites.” It isn’t just Achan who received punishment for his actions. As the following chapters reveal, this one man’s sin results in Israel's failure to capture the inferior city of Ai. And only when this sin was revealed and punished did God’s favor return to his chosen people.

While there are details of this story that remain a mystery, such as why God had Achan’s entire family killed, this story served as a powerful reminder for his people. God is a holy God. He is separate from all others, and sin is not a laughing matter. It isn’t to be treated lightly, and sin has a communal aspect. Our sin does not only hurt us, but it can devastate our homes and communities as well.

Sin is never just private. It always inhibits our ability to love God and others at the highest level and can bring untold pain in ways we least expect.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Father, I praise you for your strength and might, which is beyond my human understanding. Your ways are beyond my comprehension, yet in every story and command, there is wisdom and purpose.

Release | I release my struggles with understanding the complexities of your will, especially in the stories that challenge me. Help me trust your overarching plan for justice, mercy, and redemption.

Ask | I ask for wisdom and discernment as I reflect on my own past, especially those times that are difficult to understand. Guide my heart to learn what it means to follow you with unwavering faith, even when the path you set before me is unclear or challenging.

 Yield | I yield to your leading, knowing that your ways are higher than mine. Teach me to walk in obedience and faithfulness, seeking your peace and righteousness in every aspect of my life.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ