By what means was the anger of God against the whole congregation incurred?
On what occasion did the divine displeasure manifest itself? v. 2—5.
What did the Elders and Joshua do in these circumstances?
What pleas did Joshua make in his prayer?
What answer did he obtain from God, as to the cause of the disaster, and what was he required to do? V. 10—15.
Why does the Lord say "Israel hath sinned," when it was the offence of one man? l Cor.5.6.
How did Joshua proceed in obedience to the divine command?
What was the tribe, family &c. of the offender, and how were they designated? Ans, Probably by lot, the issues of which were determined by a special interposition of Providence, according to Prov. 16. 33.
What did Joshua say to him, and what was his confession?
How does James speak of the process of successful temptation? James 14, 15.
How did Joshua ascertain the truth of his words, and what was done with the articles?
What did they then do in executing the punishment on Achan?
What did Joshua say to him, and by what means was he put to death?
Were his family slain with him? ch. 22.20 N. B. Possibly they might have been accessory to the crime ; at any rate, no injustice was done them; and the example would point out the exceeding enormity of the crime in the most affecting and alarming manner.
How was the affair commemorated, what was the effect of it, and what name was the place designated by? N. B. Achor signifies trouble; and Achan himself in the subsequent history, 1 Chron. 2. 7. is called Achar.
What allusion do we elsewhere find to this place, and how is it to be understood ? Hos. 2.15. N.B. By the "valley of Achor for a door of hope," may be meant, that as the children of Israel at their first entrance upon the promised land experienced in this valley troublesome beginings, which ended happily, so those to whom the Prophet spake might take that circumstance as a pledge that their present afflictions should be succeeded by the most signal mercies.
What important practical lesson is taught by this whole narrative? Ans. That it is dangerous tampering with temptation—that our sins will sooner or later find us out—that condign punishment will inevitably overtake the guilty—that the transgressions of one or a few may subject a whole community to heavy judgments—and that when the divine favor is once forfeited by presumptuous sin it is with extreme difficulty recovered.
< Previous | Index | Next >