One of the earliest examples of the practice of giving God the first fruits of the increase was when Joshua and the people entered the Promised Land for the first time. When they crossed the Jordan River, their first battle was Jericho. God set a precedent with this battle by instructing them not to take any spoils from it. Unlike future battles, the fruits from this victory were to go into the treasury as a remembrance of their first victory in the Promised Land. In addition, the city of Jericho was to be a lasting monument to God's faithfulness. God instructed Joshua never to rebuild this city. If they or anyone in the future attempted to rebuild the city, the life of the firstborn would be required.
Years later in the days of King Ahab, Hiel the Bethelite attempted to rebuild this city and his firstborn died as a result. God never forgets to enforce His Word.
Despite orders from God not to take any plunder, Achan's greed got the better of him. He stole some of the plunder, even things that were to be dedicated to God, and hid them in his tent. We can assume that his family members were accomplices after the fact, since it would have been impossible to dig a large hole in the middle of the family room without others knowing what was going on. His family was stoned with him, either as direct punishment for their complicity or by unfortunate association with the guilty party.
In this case, it was more than the family of Achan who suffered for his crime. The entire nation of Israel suffered as they went into battle, confidant of their ability to defeat the opposing army, and were soundly defeated themselves. It doesn't seem fair that the whole nation would suffer for the actions of one man, but in reality, often the actions of one...for better or worse, can affect multitudes. We don't think it unfair when many are blessed because of the actions of one good person, but we don't like the idea of the reverse. This trickle-down effect never equates to anything of eternal consequence, but can drastically effect the temporal well-being of those involved. Such was the case with Achan. But once God had publicly and unashamedly pronounced judgement upon him, the "curse" was lifted and Israel was able to defeat the town of Ai. And I bet we'll find, that having been made an example of, Achan's mistake will not be repeated.
Tomorrow's reading: Joshua 10-12:6
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
One of the things I'm trying to keep track of in this reading of the Bible is references to Christ's ancestors - of course, Rahab is one of his (many greats)grandmother. And He descended from the tribe of Judah. Achan was from the tribe of Judah. Wonder what significance that has/will have? Will hope that God reveals it in His due time!
ReplyDelete