Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law-the blessings and the curses-just as it is written in the Book of the Law. Joshua 8:34 (Chapters 7-8)
Following the victory at Jericho, the Israelites moved on the city of Ai. Joshua sent spies who assured him that Ai would be an easy conquest. But, a man named Achan had taken items from Jericho, an act God forbade. Intolerant of this covetous driven disobedience, God disciplined Israel. When the army of Israel moved against Ai, they were soundly defeated, with loss of life.
Achan’s sin had grave consequences. His family was aware of his misdeed and helped him secret his stolen goods. His kinsmen suffered as they lost their honor and their lives.
God redirected Israel to victory over Ai and Joshua led the people to a renewal of their covenant on Mt. Ebal, at the place where Abraham first erected an altar in this land and just as Moses had commanded in Deuteronomy 27.
Sin is not the end of the story, but there is accountability for all involved. Israel did not focus on the repercussion of their transgression, but rather, the grace and hope they had as children of God. What defines you? The darkness of death, or a life washed whiter than snow? There’s a reason it’s called amazing grace and it’s yours for the asking.
Love,
Gretchen