Before Jericho was destroyed, the Israelites were commanded to “keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it” (Josh. 6:18). But, when Achan saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, 200 shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing 50 shekels, he coveted them and took them (Josh. 7:21). His actions brought punishment from God. The Israelites were defeated in battle until Achan’s sinful actions were uncovered and dealt with. Achan and his family paid for his sin with their lives.
If only Achan had obeyed God and passed up that plunder! When Ai was destroyed, God allowed the Israelites to keep the plunder for themselves. If Achan had only waited, he could have helped himself to treasures with God’s blessing.
God provides for his own, but sometimes that provision requires us to wait. We need to put God first and trust him to provide for us in his time. Lord, help us to trust and obey you always!
Mary Roller, Hickory, N.C.
