The Agony of Defeat - Joshua 7:1-29 - September 17, 2006

Sunday School Lesson – The Agony of Defeat – September 17, 2006

This is lesson three (3) in our series “Joshua on Leadership.”

Our background scripture is Joshua 7:1-29.

Our focus scripture is Joshua 7:6-7, 10-13, 16-21, 24-26.

Last week I mentioned that, “in our Christian journey it is often more difficult for us to handle a victory than a defeat. With a victory or a series of victories, we have to be careful of our attitude. Victory can feed our human nature and we begin to expect victory over everything that comes our way. Then it is easy for our attitude to change so that we become independent of GOD and self begins to rule. We can become cocky or flippant. This is why we must have and maintain a loving intimate relationship with our LORD as HE works mightily through us and maintains proper balance in our lives.”

We must keep in mind that it is GOD and HIS power working through us and not our power. For us to maintain HIS power flowing through us, we must maintain our relationship with HIM. Maintaining is resting in HIM, fellowshipping with HIM, talking to HIM, listening to HIM, reading HIS word, meditating on HIS word, being obedient to HIS commands, abiding in HIM. In my opinion it is not performing by being busy and doing a lot of activity. It is being obedient to what GOD reveals to us and asks us to do.

This week’s lesson confirms how victory can result in relying upon our strength and relegating GOD to the sidelines. This can happen to any dedicated Christian, along with those who were called of GOD in the Old Testament such as Moses and Joshua.
Joshua and the Israelites were obedient to GOD and conquered Jericho. They followed HIS instructions completely and the well fortified walls surrounding the city of Jericho tumbled down at the right moment.

The next city to be conquered is Ai (A eye). Ai is a well fortified military outpost located about 12 miles northwest of Jericho. Ai is a small city compared to Jericho. Joshua sends spies and they come back with their report as recorded in Joshua 7:2-3.

Joshua 7:2-3:

2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and scout the land.” So the men went up and scouted Ai. 3 After returning to Joshua they reported to him, “Don’t send all the people, but send about 2,000 or 3,000[1] Or send two or three military units of men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.”

Let’s compare verse 3 to the report of the spies who scouted Jericho as recorded in Joshua 2:24.

Joshua 2:24:

24 They (the spies) told Joshua, “The Lord has handed over the entire land to us. Everyone who lives in the land is also panicking because of us.”[9] Or also panics at our approach

When they fought against Jericho it is clear their trust was in the LORD but little Ai was a piece of cake. They were saying in essence, “We can do this in our own strength, no need to bother to include GOD.” GOD teaches them, along with us thousands of years later, several lessons regarding this defeat.

Lesson 1 – Often we say, “We do not need to seek GOD’S guidance in the little things in our lives.” However, we must always place our trust in the power of GOD and not in our own sufficiency, regardless of our perception for the need of GOD’S involvement. GOD wants to be involved in all things in our lives, no matter how small. We pause at mealtime to thank GOD for the food we are about to consume. This is a small thing but a good thing.

Lesson 2 – A problem is identified in Joshua 7:1, which Joshua is unaware of at the time. When something does not go according to plans, we need to ask why. Did we pray about it? Did we follow GOD’S instructions? Do we have sin or unconfessed sin in our lives? Is there sin among those involved with the plan? We need to be careful about jumping to conclusions and blaming GOD. Often frustration for a failure, results in us blaming someone for the failure. If Joshua and the Israelites had sought GOD’S guidance before they went to conquer Ai, GOD would have had the opportunity to reveal that sin was in the camp and needed to be dealt with, before the battle.

So what happened?

Let’s read Joshua 6:17-19: (Background for Joshua 7:8-13.)

GOD gave specific instructions to the Israelites who entered Jericho. The rules of engagement are given in verses 17-19. When GOD gives instructions HE expects them to be followed to the letter. Set apart means dedicated for use by the LORD.

17 But the city and everything in it are • set apart to the Lord for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and everyone with her in the house will live, because she hid the men[2] Lit messengers we sent. 18 But keep yourselves from the things set apart, or you will be set apart for destruction. If you[3] LXX reads you covet and; Jos 7:21 take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and bring disaster on it. 19 For all the silver and gold, and the articles of bronze and iron, are dedicated to the Lord and must go into the Lord’s treasury.”

Joshua 7:1:

1 The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things • set apart for destruction. Achan (A kinn) son of Carmi (KAHR mye), son of Zabdi (ZAB die), son of Zerah (ZEE ruh), of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the Lord’s anger burned against the Israelites.

Achan of the tribe of Judah was disobedient. During the defeat of Jericho, he took some of the spoils of war for himself. It is interesting that the lineage JESUS comes from the tribe of Judah. Joshua was unaware that Achan had taken these items when Jericho was conquered. Now they go to conquer Ai in their own strength.

Let’s read Joshua 7:4-7:

4 So about 3,000 men[2] Lit men from the people went up there, but they fled from the men of Ai. 5 The men of Ai struck down about 36 of them and chased them from outside the gate to the quarries,[3] Or to Shebarim striking them down on the descent. As a result, the people’s hearts melted and became like water.

The next scripture tells us how Joshua responds to their defeat at Ai.

Joshua 7:6-7:

6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the ark of the Lord with his face to the ground until evening, as did the elders of Israel; they all put dust on their heads. 7 “Oh, Lord God,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring these people across the Jordan to hand us over to the Amorites for our destruction? If only we had been content to remain on the other side of the Jordan!

Joshua is distraught and frustrated over this defeat. He tears his clothes and goes to the LORD for an answer. The elders join him in his disappointment and frustration and also go before the LORD. They put dust on their heads, which is a sign of grief. It was grief over their defeat. In verse 7, it is clear that Joshua is disappointed with GOD and blames GOD for the defeat but he seeks an answer from GOD. Joshua does not turn his back on GOD, which is something many are tempted to do when we suffer a defeat in our lives. We want to blame GOD or others for the things that go wrong in our lives. This blame game began in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:8-13:
Sin’s Consequences
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,[7] Lit at the wind of the day and they hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.[8] Jb 34:22–23 9 So the Lord God called out to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard You[9] Lit the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” 11 Then He asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I had commanded you not to eat from?” 12 Then the man replied, “The woman You gave to be with me—she gave me [some fruit]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from the tree, and I ate.” 13 So the Lord God asked the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate.”[10] Rm 7:11; 1 Tm 2:14

Notice verses 12 and 13. Transferal of guilt, blaming someone else began when man first sinned and it has been going on ever since.

Notice “If only” in Joshua 7:7. “If only” we had done “so and so”. “If only” you had done “so and so”.

“What if” we had done “so and so” is another response.

Let’s read Joshua 7:8-10:

8 What can I say, Lord, now that Israel has turned its back [and run]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from its enemies? 9 When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do about Your great name?”

Oh my, Joshua is telling GOD that HIS reputation is at stake. GOD is in real trouble now. How many ways do we try to bargain with GOD to get HIM to do what we want HIM to do or to ensure our success the next time we encounter a situation? I know I have.

Joshua 7:10-13:

10 The Lord then said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why are you on the ground?[4] Lit Why have you fallen on your face?


11 Israel has sinned. They have violated My covenant that I appointed for them. They have taken some of what was set apart. They have stolen, deceived, and put [the things]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. with their own belongings. 12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs [and run]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from their enemies, because they have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from you what is set apart. 13 “Go and consecrate the people. Tell them to consecrate themselves tomorrow, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘There are among you, Israel, things set apart. You will not be able to stand against your enemies until you remove what is set apart.

GOD has to straighten Joshua out. Joshua, “Stand up!” Joshua, “Don’t blame ME. You have a problem among your people.”

Often we think that sin does not impact others but sin always has far reaching effects. Most often sin impacts one’s family with devastating consequences. Our lesson reveals that sin had devastating results on Achan’s family.

Let’s read Joshua 7:14-26: (The LORD will reveal to Joshua the culprit(s) and once revealed what the punishment will be.)

14 In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe the Lord selects is to come forward clan by clan. The clan the Lord selects is to come forward family by family. The family the Lord selects is to come forward man by man. 15 The one who is caught with the things set apart must be burned,[5] Lit burned with fire along with everything he has, because he has violated the Lord’s covenant and committed an outrage in Israel.’ ”
Achan Judged
16 Joshua got up early the next morning. He had Israel come forward tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was selected. 17 He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the Zerahite (ZEE ruh hight) clan was selected. He had the Zerahite clan come forward by heads of families,[6] Lit forward man by man and Zabdi was selected. 18 He then had Zabdi’s family come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. 19 So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him.[7] Or and praise Him I urge you, tell me what you have done. Don’t hide anything from me.” 20 Achan replied to Joshua, “It is true. I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I did: 21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Babylon,[8] Lit Shinar 200 silver • shekels,[9] About 5 pounds of silver and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels,[10] About 1 pound of gold I coveted them and took them. You can see for yourself. They are concealed in the ground inside my tent, with the money under the cloak.” 22 So Joshua sent messengers who ran to the tent, and there was the cloak, concealed in his tent, with the money underneath. 23 They took the things from inside the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and spread them out in the Lord’s presence. 24 Then Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, and the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his ox, donkey, and sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and brought them up to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? Today the Lord will trouble you!” So all Israel stoned him to death. They burned their bodies,[11] Lit burned them with fire threw stones on them, 26 and raised over him a large pile of rocks that remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from His burning anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor[12] Or of Trouble to this day.

Achan admitted he coveted the cloak, silver (about 5 pounds) and bar of gold (1 pound and 4 ounces) and took them. A shekel is 0.4 ounces in weight.

So why did GOD punish Achan? After all, he confessed to what he had done.

Achan had an opportunity to confess his sin to Joshua but he waited until he was confronted and caught before he confessed.

Achan, his family, belongings, animals were brought to the Valley of Achor and destroyed.

Why was his family destroyed? It is believed that his family had knowledge of what Achan had done and likely helped him hide the spoils of war. They helped him keep his secret. The family was his accomplices.

The word for Achor means trouble; therefore the Valley of Achor is the valley of trouble. This is the place Achan; his family were stoned to death and burned. Their remains were covered with a pile of stones. Stones of remembrance marked the miracle of crossing the Jordan. Now a pile of stones is a reminder for the consequences of sin, disobeying GOD’S instructions.

The LORD revealed to a wonderful Christian lady in our class, the correlation of the pile of stones covering the sin of Achan to JESUS, our rock, covering our sins. JESUS died where we should have died. The rock that covers our sins still lives today and HE is our remembrance for being set free from sin and death.

We have been comparing our Christian journey to that of the Israelites journey into the Promised Land. Entering the Promised Land with our LORD does not mean we are immune to temptation and falling into sin.

Verse 21, tells us when Achan saw the cloak, silver and gold he just had to have them. He coveted them. When sin first entered earth, Eve was tempted because the forbidden fruit was pleasing to look at in Genesis 3:6.

Genesis 3:1-7:

1 Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”[1] 2 Co 11:3 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’ ”[2] Gn 2:17 4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman.[3] Jn 8:44 5 “In fact, God knows that when[4] Lit on the day you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,[5] Or gods, or divine beings knowing good and evil.” 6 Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ; she also gave [some]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. to her husband, [who was]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. with her, and he ate [it]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .[6] Jms 1:14–15; 1 Jn 2:16 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

Eve knew better than to partake of the forbidden fruit but she took matters into her own hands. The forbidden fruit looked good and it would make you wise. She said, GOD said not to even touch the forbidden fruit. GOD never said, “Do not touch it.” HE said, “Do not eat it.” We get into trouble when we expand upon what GOD tells us. Wrong notions about truth, provides Satan with an opportunity to mislead us. I can almost hear Satan picking up on the point, “GOD said for you not to even touch it? See I can touch it. Why don’t you touch it?” We do not know if that was part of the conversation but misconceptions give opportunity for disaster.

We must be careful when we take matters into our own hands. Yes, we have to take the action but it is essential we take the action the LORD leads us to take. GOD’S expectation for HIS children is for us to be obedient to HIM.

We can learn from the defeats in our lives by asking GOD to reveal to us what HE wants us to learn or we can complain. Defeats are hard but important lessons for us to learn, as we journey with our LORD. As a leader, GOD expects us to maintain our relationship with HIM and seek HIS guidance in all matters both large and small.