JOSHUA 7

ISRAEL IS DEFEATED + DEVOTED ITEMS ARE STOLEN

Despite Israel’s recent victory, they are defeated by a nearby Canaanite city called Ai. Thirty-six Israelites are killed and Joshua mourns their deaths, questioning why God would bring them this far only to be defeated.

God tells Joshua that the Israelites have been sinful, specifically a man named Achan, who stole items that were devoted to God. Achan initially attempts to hide the stolen items, but confesses when confronted by Joshua. Because Achan brought trouble upon the Israelites, he is stoned for stealing the sacred items.