Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan, son of Zerah ... and all that he had, to the valley of Achor. ... Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.
—Joshua 7:24 & 25b
The Bible is a precious and holy book, but some passages can be troubling for the modern Christian. Today’s passage is one of these. After the initial attack on Ai, Achan coveted several of the city’s possessions. Against the Lord’s command, he took them, causing Israel’s sound defeat in Ai and the loss of several soldiers. Because of his sin, Achan was stoned.
If the passage stopped there, it might not be as troublesome. Our world tells us that sinners should pay the consequences of their actions. Yet, we are told that Achan’s family was killed with him and all his possessions were burned. We may question how this is fair. Does it show that God is vengeful, eager to wipe out anyone who breaks the smallest commandment?
The simple answer to the last question is “no.” Studying this passage is a great exercise in learning to trust God when we don’t understand what He does or why. The Bible doesn’t tell us why Achan’s family suffered with him. However, the passage does give us an example of the innocent suffering for the guilty— just as Christ did for us. There is hope here and a hidden gem of God’s mercy.
God is neither vengeful nor petty. Everything He does leads us closer to Him. If His actions seem harsh or hard to understand, He allows us to ask questions. Actually, God encourages questions. He knows the world around us doesn’t think the way He does, nor does it teach us to trust Him. Sometimes, the only answer we will get when we ask hard questions is, “Trust me.” Yet, if we continue in the faith, studying His word and seeking Him in prayer, we will build up trust and learn more about God’s true character of love.
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