Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And he did not perish alone for his iniquity.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Achan's sin wasn't just his own; it brought wrath upon the entire congregation, demonstrating how one person's unfaithfulness can have widespread, devastating consequences for everyone. This isn't just about individual guilt, but about corporate responsibility and the ripple effect of sin.
Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And he did not perish alone for his iniquity.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The entire Israelite nation is on the verge of war because two and a half tribes, settling east of the Jordan River, have built a massive altar. The other tribes fear this is a rebellion against God, potentially leading to idolatry or a schism in worship. To justify their impending military action and emphasize the gravity of the situation, the emissaries remind them of past national tragedies caused by individual sin, like Achan's theft which brought God's wrath upon all of Israel.
Ever feel like your mistake only affects you? Think again. The story of Achan shows us that sin rarely stays contained.
Phinehas, addressing the two and a half tribes, brings up Achan’s sin as a stark warning. Achan took forbidden items from Jericho – a single act of greed.
The Devastating Impact:
This illustrates a profound biblical truth: when one person sins, especially in a community or leadership role, the consequences can spread far and wide, impacting many.
What does it mean to hold something 'devoted' or 'accursed'? The very act of taking it was a violation of God's command and sacred trust.
The term 'devoted things' or 'accursed thing' refers to items that were set apart for God, often for destruction or for use by the priests, as spoils from conquered cities like Jericho.
Violating the Sacred:
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This reminds us that God takes seriously the boundaries He sets and the things He designates as holy.
Understand the original words
cherem · Hebrew Noun
A state of being set apart or designated for exclusive use by God; in the context of judgment, it refers to items or people doomed to destruction or set aside for total devotion to God.
avon · Hebrew Noun
A perversion or twistedness of character; it denotes guilt that deviates from what is right and carries the weight of punishment.
The reference to Achan's sin serves as a stark reminder that even a single person's disobedience can bring devastating consequences upon the entire community, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the potential religious division being addressed.
~1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and began their military campaigns to conquer the land of Canaan, as promised by God.
~1406 BC
Achan's Sin at Ai
Achan secretly took forbidden plunder after the initial Israelite victory at Jericho, leading to their defeat by the city of Ai. This sin brought God's wrath upon the entire congregation.
~1405 BC
Conquest and Division of Land
After dealing with Achan's sin and defeating Ai, the Israelites continued their conquest and began dividing the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes.
~1405 BC
Eastern Tribes Settle
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were granted their inheritance east of the Jordan River, with the understanding they would assist in the conquest of the remaining lands.
~1390 BC— this verse
Eastern Tribes Build Altar
Having helped secure the land for their brethren, the Transjordanian tribes built a large altar near the Jordan River, intending it as a memorial of their shared faith.
~1390 BC
Israel Prepares for War
Upon hearing of the altar, the other Israelite tribes in Canaan understood it as a potential religious rebellion and gathered at Shiloh to wage war against their brethren.
~1390 BC
Peaceful Resolution Reached
Phinehas and other leaders investigated the situation, and after the Transjordanian tribes explained their intentions, the crisis was averted and reconciliation occurred.
This passage directly introduces the story of Achan, whose sin of taking devoted items led to divine wrath, serving as the primary example of collective punishment for individual sin that Phinehas invokes.
Numbers 25:1-15This passage details the sin of Baal-Peor, which the people of Israel were not yet cleansed from, and which also brought severe wrath upon the congregation, paralleling the concern about a new sin causing further judgment.
1 Corinthians 10:6-11Paul references both the sin at Baal-Peor and the rebellion of the Israelites in the wilderness, warning against repeating such offenses, and highlighting the theme of God's judgment on the congregation for the sins of individuals or groups.
2 Samuel 21:1-14This account shows a famine in Israel, later revealed to be God's wrath due to Saul's sin against the Gibeonites, demonstrating how past iniquities can bring ongoing distress upon the entire community until atonement is made.
calvinJoshua 22:10-20: "And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to."
And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.
Devenerunt autem ad limites Jordanis qui er…
gillJoshua 22:20: "Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity."
Did not Achan the son of Zerah,.... One that descended from Zerah the son of Judah, Joshua 7:18 , commit a trespass in the accursed thing; in taking what was devoted to sacred uses: and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and which was what was feared now; and this instance is brought to show that suc…
The verse highlights that Achan's sin wasn't just his own; it brought wrath upon the entire congregation, demonstrating how one person's unfaithfulness can have widespread, devastating consequences for everyone. This isn't just about individual guilt, but about corporate responsibility and the ripple effect of sin.
The entire Israelite nation is on the verge of war because two and a half tribes, settling east of the Jordan River, have built a massive altar. The other tribes fear this is a rebellion against God, potentially leading to idolatry or a schism in worship. To justify their impending military action and emphasize the gravity of the situation, the emissaries remind them of past national tragedies caused by individual sin, like Achan's theft which brought God's wrath upon all of Israel.
The entire Israelite nation is on the verge of war because two and a half tribes, settling east of the Jordan River, have built a massive altar. The other tribes fear this is a rebellion against God, potentially leading to idolatry or a schism in worship. To justify their impending military action and emphasize the gravity of the situation, the emissaries remind them of past national tragedies caused by individual sin, like Achan's theft which brought God's wrath upon all of Israel.
"Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And he did not perish alone for his iniquity.’”" — The verse highlights that Achan's sin wasn't just his own; it brought wrath upon the entire congregation, demonstrating how one person's unfaithfulness can have widespread, devastating consequences…
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Last reviewed October 2026