Joshua 7:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Jesus... annihilated everything, not just the individual who sinned, but also his kin and household, as well as a vast number of livestock; this burdened his spirit greatly. If we falter at the sight of strangers being summoned, what must He have endured when subjecting His fellow countrymen and friends to such devastation?

Such is the retribution for wrongdoing; such is the unyielding verdict of the Almighty. Understanding this, let us view the onset of tribulations as a result of our transgressions, and when we reflect daily on our failings, let us refrain from placing blame on others and instead recognize our own responsibility. It is not simply the negligence of leaders, but primarily our own actions that bring disaster upon us.

Upon examining the sacred texts of both the Old and New Testaments, it becomes evident that disobedience to God is defined not by the sheer number or severity of transgressions, but rather by a single violation of His commandments. For each infraction, the judgment of God remains consistent. In the Old Testament, there are stark examples such as the tragic fate of Achan and the account of the individual who gathered sticks on the Sabbath (Num. 15:32-36). Neither of these individuals had previously sinned against God or harmed others in any significant way. Yet, one faced unavoidable punishment for the solitary act of collecting firewood and was executed without an avenue for repentance, as commanded by God.

Though he may have sinned, what was the transgression of the sons? What of the oxen? What of the donkeys? What of the sheep? Ask God why one individual sinned, leading a portion of the people to perish; why he himself faced stoning while all that he had gathered was consumed by fire in divine retribution. No city made peace with the Israelites, except for the Hivites of Gibeon; all were taken by force, for it was the Lord who hardened their hearts to confront Israel in battle—so that they were destined for a curse, receiving no mercy, but rather destined for destruction as commanded by the Lord to Moses (Num. 11:19-20). And if the Lord decreed that they should neither make peace with Israel nor receive it from them, let us reflect with the apostle, For what reason does he find fault?

God encompasses everything (1 John 4:16), and, as frequently expressed in Scripture, His desire is not for the sinner's demise, but rather for them to repent and live for Him (Ezekiel 33:11). However, it is crucial to remember that God is also perfect justice. When He administers discipline to the sinner, His intention is that the resultant suffering may benefit the greater good, if not directly then at least indirectly, serving as a warning. He desires that the discipline He imposes for sin evokes a profound fear of Him in those who remain indifferent and ungrateful for His mercy.

Due to the wrongdoing of Achan, his offspring faced the severest consequence of death. Jesus took Achan, the son of Zarah, and led him along with his sons and daughters into the wilderness of Achor, where they were all consumed by fire. God instructed Moses in the Law, stating that fathers should not be punished for the sins of their children, nor should children be held accountable for the transgressions of their fathers. Each individual shall bear the consequence of their own wrongdoing (Deuteronomy 24:16). Achan not only committed sacrilege but also disrespected the very sovereignty of God in a profound manner. For such a grave affront to the Almighty and His honor, Achan faced the certainty of divine justice and brought ruin upon his entire lineage.