Most people in our culture would argue that private sins have no public consequences. A Babylonian garment, a wedge of gold, and two hundred shekels of silver coveted are taken. The city was going to be burned anyway. Who would be hurt?
36 people died. The hearts of the enemy were strengthened. Joshua foresaw the doom of the nation if they could not stand before their enemies. While Joshua was on his face mourning, God said "Stand up... Israel has sinned." The repeating phrase "liable to destruction" (Joshua 6:18; 7:1; 7:12) described their condition. Worse, God says "I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction."
Leadership is knowing where those under our care stand in relation to God. It is confronting sin, to rescue the offender when possible, to protect the body, and to restore a right standing with God. Now Achan, his sons, his daughters, and all the wealth of his house lie burned in a heap in the Valley of Trouble.
The "Valley of Achor" became a byword (Hosea 2:15). There is a new memorial, however grim, to warn the next generation against unfaithfulness. Like the rocks drawn from the midst of the Jordan, the valley is a teachable moment. Trust, respect, and obey the Lord who leads you. Personal disobedience is corporate trouble.
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