Joshua 7:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Similarly, the one who withheld some of the devoted items, which had not yet been brought into the congregation and had not been received by the appointed authorities, brought about his own destruction along with that of his wife, children, and even the tabernacle and its treasures. The danger of sin, much like a blazing fire, threatened to consume the entire nation, which was unaware of the wrongdoing and had not cooperated with the sinner. This was evident after the judgment and demise of the guilty individuals (Num. 25:5), provoking the people to feel God's anger and prompting Joshua and the elders to humble themselves in mourning and ashes. The guilty party, identified by lot, faced the severe consequences specified. Some might argue that these individuals could justly be suspected of other sins, contributing to their guilt. However, the Holy Scriptures highlight only these particular actions as being grievous enough to warrant death.

And if it is the Lord’s desire that they neither seek peace with Israel nor receive it, we might echo the apostle, For what other reason does He find fault? For who can resist His will? (Rom. 9:19).

What drives Paul to act contrary to his desires? Why does he fail to pursue what he wishes and instead does what he despises? He would respond, Who are you, O man, to dispute with God? Will the creation question the Creator, saying, ‘Why have you made me this way?’ (Rom. 9:20-21). You might also raise more grievances with God; challenge Him about why, even before Esau and Jacob were born, He declared, ‘I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau’ (Rom. 9:13). Accuse Him of injustice when, because of Achan, son of Harmyah, who took some of the plunder from Jericho, thousands suffered due to the offense of one man.

Achar not only engaged in sacrilege but also severely disrespected the sovereignty of God. Given the enormity of this affront to the Almighty and His honor, Achar was rightfully subject to divine judgment and destined for ruin, along with his lineage. If secular justice demands that children should not endure punishment for the infractions of their parents against the authority of the king, then how much more should the offenses against God’s majesty be upon the children, extending to the third and fourth generations (Exodus 20:5), unless those descendants demonstrate genuine repentance and distinguish themselves through a righteous life.