Joshua 7:24—26, “And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? The LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.”

Achan, his family, and even his livestock were stoned to death. Their bodies were burned and buried under a heap of stones. As we have worked our way through Joshua, we have seen memorials of God’s deliverance. Here is a memorial of His judgment. These stones call us to self-examination. Is there hidden sin in our lives? 

Do you think this is harsh? Are you wondering how a loving, merciful God could allow not just Achan but his wife, his kids, and even his livestock to be destroyed? Do not blame God. Remember, the wages of sin is death, and He means that. God warns that disobedience to Him only brings hurt and heartache to us and to others.

Praise God that the story of redemption does not end with Achan’s execution. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world, willingly sacrificed Himself for our public and private sins. If you will turn to Him in repentant faith you will be saved! 

Be ruthless in your self-examination. Pray along with David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)