How did Joshua learn who had committed the sin?

BIBLE STORY

SILVER, GOLD, AND A BABYLONISH GARMENT

Joshua and the people were distraught. After God gave supernatural victory at Jericho, the Israelites planned their next attack on the small fortress of Ai. Because scouts assured Joshua the battle could be easily won, Israel confidently advanced with only a small army. To their surprise and dismay, Israel was soundly defeated! What went wrong? Why did God remove His protection when Israel was going forth to claim the land He had given them? Earlier at Jericho, God had given the Israelites quick success. Although it had seemed impossible to conquer that fortified city, Joshua and the people had followed God’s directions to march around Jericho for seven days. On the

After the disastrous defeat at Ai, how did Joshua

and the elders respond? (See Joshua 7:6–8.)

When tragic circumstances occur, how should you respond? Why should you seek the Lord and ask

Him to search your heart? (See Psalm 139:23–24.)

What concerned Joshua even more than the lives

of the people? (See Joshua 7:9.)

When you face a difficulty, do you consider how

God may see the situation? How might your response affect His reputation?

What was God’s answer to Joshua? Was the sin a secret from God? What command had Israel

disobeyed? (See Joshua 7:10–12, 6:17–19.)

Why can you keep no secrets from Him? (See Psalm 44:21, Ecclesiastes 12:13–14.)

How seriously did God view this sin? What consequences would the guilty person face?

(See Joshua 7:13–15.) seventh day, Joshua charged the people to shout at his signal, then claim the city. He explicitly instructed them to save only Rahab’s family. They were to destroy the rest of the city except for the silver, gold, and vessels of brass and iron. These precious items were designated for the treasury of the Lord. At the great shout, the towering walls fell flat and Jericho lay devastated! When they invaded the city, did the people obey God’s directions, knowing that He sees everything? What would the people be horrified to discover following their crushing defeat at Ai?

Let’s read the Bible story in Joshua 7:2–26 and then

discuss the following questions.

5.

6.

7.

Why does God not ignore your sin? (See Proverbs 3:11–12.)

How did Joshua learn who had committed the sin?

(See Joshua 7:16–18.) Why does God often allow your authorities to find out about your sin? (See I Peter 2:14.) What happens when you try to hide your sin? (See Proverbs 28:13.)

Who confronted Achan? Did confessing remove

the consequences of his sin? (See Joshua 7:19–25.) When you sin, to whom should you confess? (See Psalm 32:5, James 5:16.) Why may you still face consequences, even though you are forgiven? (See Hebrews 12:11.)

What items had Achan taken? How did their value

compare with what Achan lost? (See Joshua 7:21–26.) What is the cost of disobedience, which is sin? (See Romans 6:21–23, Jeremiah 7:23–24.) Why should you remember that God is watching? (See Proverbs 16:6.)