After the victory at Jericho, we are expecting to hear of more great things happening. The Israelites are confident and fully expect to continue their successses; but instead, at Ai, they are confronted with a shocking defeat. Joshua is confused and is beginning to wonder whether God is going to follow through with His promises to His people.
The Lord answers Joshua's prayers rather brusquely – "Get up!" He tells him that the problem is in Joshua's own camp, and must be rooted out.
We can only imagine how uncomfortable Achan was when Joshua got nearer and nearer to discovering his crime. He had stolen gold, silver, and a garment from the spoils of Jericho that had been devoted to the Lord. But he couldn't even enjoy the things he had stolen. And he could have repented of his sin at any time before Joshua's piercing eye demanded him to explain to him what he had done.
When we hide sin in our hearts, its consequences are far-reaching. We cannot conceal our transgressions and our guilt from the eye of God, Who sees everything. We would do well to examine our hearts, confess our sins to the Lord, and find forgiveness and blessedness in Him! (Psalm 32) |
