"Achan and Israel’s defeat at Ai.
“All are doubtless familiar with Achan’s case. It is recorded in sacred history for all generations, but more especially for those upon whom the ends of the world are come.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 520.
A short time before the defeat, Israel had just experienced the miraculous passage of the Jordan and the overthrow of Jericho.
Something happened in the camp of Israel, however, after the victory at Jericho, which led to defeat.
Off to battle went three thousand men,
Confidently they approached the gates of the city, but were met with determined resistance. “Panic stricken at the numbers and
thorough preparation of their enemies, they fled in confusion down the steep descent. The Canaanites were in hot pursuit.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 494.
“The moment we begin to feel self-sufficient and confident, then we are in danger of a disgraceful failure.” This Day with God, 277. This was exactly the experience of Israel.
“Nothing is more offensive to God than a self-sufficient spirit.” The Faith I Live By, 138.
Though Israel was humbled through defeat, God was nonetheless watching over them and when, in their ignorance and weakness, they cried out to Him, He was there.
“Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face?” Joshua 7:10 (NKJV).
Before the conquest of Jericho, God gave a very direct command in regard to the spoil. “And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the Lord: they shall come into the treasury of the Lord.” Joshua 7:12 (NKJV)
Achan had taken one of the forbidden Babylonish garments, which he thought too valuable to be destroyed in the flames, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels. In taking the silver and gold,
“All are doubtless familiar with Achan’s case. It is recorded in sacred history for all generations, but more especially for those upon whom the ends of the world are come.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 520.
A short time before the defeat, Israel had just experienced the miraculous passage of the Jordan and the overthrow of Jericho.
Something happened in the camp of Israel, however, after the victory at Jericho, which led to defeat.
Off to battle went three thousand men,
--without seeking counsel from God
--and trusting in their own strength,
fully expecting an easy victory. Confidently they approached the gates of the city, but were met with determined resistance. “Panic stricken at the numbers and
“The moment we begin to feel self-sufficient and confident, then we are in danger of a disgraceful failure.” This Day with God, 277. This was exactly the experience of Israel.
“Nothing is more offensive to God than a self-sufficient spirit.” The Faith I Live By, 138.
Though Israel was humbled through defeat, God was nonetheless watching over them and when, in their ignorance and weakness, they cried out to Him, He was there.
“Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face?” Joshua 7:10 (NKJV).
There was secret sin in the camp and it was to be dealt with.
Achan had taken one of the forbidden Babylonish garments, which he thought too valuable to be destroyed in the flames, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels. In taking the silver and gold,
--Achan had not only disobeyed,
--but he had stolen from the treasury of the Lord.
What a lesson for us today. “That our influence should be a savor of death unto death is a fearful thought, yet it is possible.
One soul misled, forfeiting eternal bliss—who can estimate the loss!
And yet one rash act, one thoughtless word, on our part may exert so deep an influence on the life of another that it will prove the ruin of his soul.
One blemish on the character may turn many away from Christ.” Prophets and Kings, 86. No soul will be lost that will not draw other souls down with him. Are you, by your sin, to be responsible for the eternal loss of some around you?"
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