It is not so much the failure but how we handle failure that is important.

1 – The danger of over confidence (vs. 2-5)

The people of Jericho were over confident and the walls fell down. God brings the walls down when we become complacent. There is no gathering of the people before the attack. Jericho had been a bigger city. A small city defeats the Israelite army. They had self-confidence and this was the reason for their defeat. They needed God or else they would fail. This is what happens when we have arrogance and think we know it all. You can even assume that God is on your side.

2 – The danger of superficial praying (vs. 6-13)

The externals look good. Joshua seems wrapped up in himself. (vs. 7). He is talking like the people had during the time of Moses. God was being blamed. The problem is that there is sin in the camp. Joshua needed to get the sin out of his own house. God was not to blame. Sin was being covered up and God will not allow it. Joshua had become complacent. He had stopped praying with intensity.

3 – Hold onto the promises (vs. 6-7)

Achan had made God angry and it impacted on the nation. The children of Israel and Joshua must take sin seriously. God will not hear or heed them unless the sin is dealt with. God hates sin and will not tolerate it. Achan had a desire to want more than others. He had a hidden discontentment. One of the Ten Commandments warns of coveting. Achan needs to repent. Achan’s confession lacked real repentance. He confesses reluctantly with prompting from Joshua.

God punishes those who refuse to repent of their sin. God offers forgiveness to those who genuinely repent. Those who don’t repent remain unforgiven.

Categories: Joshua