Achan’s sin and the defeat of Ai
(Joshua 7-8)
August 3, 2025
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
Joshua’s account of Achan’s sin and Ai’s defeat serves as a “part two” of the Israelites’ time in Jericho. Immediately following Israel’s victory over Jericho, we read of disobedience and God’s declaration to no longer be with Israel unless they removed what was set apart for Him (Joshua 7:12). God demonstrated His holiness by punishing sin, and through this story, we see the reality of God’s judgment and our need for a Savior.
What does this passage teach us about God? How do we see God’s faithful deliverance in this story despite His people’s sin?
First, we witness God’s justice and holiness in this passage. Before entering Jericho, God gave His people these instructions: “But keep yourselves from the things set apart, or you will be set apart for destruction. If you take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and make trouble for it” (Joshua 6:18). God had already spoken about the consequences of disobedience. Because He is holy and likewise calls His people to pursue holiness, the Israelites were to purge the sin from among them.
The Lord had promised victory to His people if they would walk in His ways. The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding God’s command to set Jericho’s spoils apart for destruction. Sadly, their disobedience led to punishment.
Lead the boys and girls in your care to see that this story does not end with dismal destruction; rather, we see the Lord faithfully keep His promise to deliver His people from their enemies. God set Achan apart for destruction, just as He said He would. Destruction, however, does not have to be our end. By placing faith in Jesus, the punishment we deserve has been placed on God’s Son instead. Remind your kids of God’s faithfulness in providing a sacrifice on our behalf and an eternal victory secured in His Son—a victory that transforms hearts and frees people from the destruction they deserve.
** Next week: Taking the Land (Joshua 10-11)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read Joshua 7-8 from the Bible.
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Opossums are known for “playing dead” when a predator attacks. When threatened, the animal’s body goes limp, its tongue comes out of its mouth, and a pungent odor is released to make it smell like the animal has been dead for a while. Talk about a stinky situation!
The men of Israel suffered, and many died, because Achan did not follow God’s instructions. Once Achan had been punished for his disobedience, God promised Joshua that He would give them victory over the armies of Ai. Joshua and the men pretended to be defeated and ran, but it was a trap. The people of God won the battle and worshipped God.
The story of Joshua and Achan reminds us that we too are in a stinky situation. We are all sinners, and sin has deadly consequences. Our sin must be punished, but Jesus took our place on the cross to pay the price for our sin. As Jesus died, it looked like Satan had won and all hope was lost, but Jesus rose from the grave with victory and forgiveness for all who trust in Him.
Achan disobeyed the command of God, and his punishment was death. We also deserve the punishment of death for our sin. Jesus, God’s sinless Son, was punished in our place for our sin. Those who trust in Him are forever forgiven of their sin.
Pray: Thank You, Jesus, for taking our place on the cross and for enduring the punishment of sin that was meant for us. Though our sin made us enemies with God, Your perfect work has brought peace with God for all who trust in Your name. We will worship You because You are the victorious King. Amen.
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Who is the King of glory? The Lord, who is strong and mighty. The Lord, who is mighty in battle.
Psalm 24:8 NIrV
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Mornings
Praise God for His mercy that is new every morning. Thank Him for being always present and always ready to help you obey His commands. How does the Holy Spirit remind us of God’s commands? How does the Holy Spirit help us obey?
Evenings
Ask God to remind you of His forgiveness and mercy provided in Jesus. Ask Him to help you flee from sin and obey Him in the areas where you struggle. How does knowing God’s mercy is never-ending help you deal with your failures?
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For Fun
Talk about how no sin is hidden. As a family, choose five sins that people often try to hide (lying, being prideful, being jealous, and so forth), and write those sins on index cards. Then have your kids close their eyes as you hide the cards around the room. Hide the cards so they are difficult, but not impossible, for kids to find. As kids find the cards, make the connection to how Achan tried to hide his sin. Though we all try to hide our sin, God sees it and must punish it. However, there is forgiveness for all who believe in Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins.
To Serve
Volunteer to help with the next baptism celebration at your church. Your family could fill the baptism pool prior to the service, arrange the supplies and rooms where families will prepare, or make cards for those who are getting baptized. Talk as a family about how baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation that reflects what Jesus has done to save us. He died for our sin, and He rose again to give us new life in Him.