Israel's defeat at Ai reveals that Achan son of Carmi from Judah has taken devoted things from Jericho—a beautiful Babylonian cloak, two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold—violating the ban and bringing trouble on Israel. The LORD's anger burns so that Israel cannot stand before their enemies; three thousand men flee before Ai's defenders, and about thirty-six are killed. By lot, Achan is identified and confesses; he and his family, livestock, and possessions are stoned and burned in the Valley of Achor, turning the LORD's burning anger away from Israel.
Read Joshua Chapter 7 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Joshua
Successor of Moses who led Israel in conquering and settling the Promised Land
Caleb
Faithful spy who received Hebron as his inheritance at age 85
Rahab
Canaanite woman who hid the spies and was saved with her family
Achan
Israelite who sinned by taking devoted things from Jericho, causing Israel's defeat at Ai
Judah
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Joshua the High Priest
First High Priest of the Second Temple
Places in This Chapter
Jericho
View on MapFirst city conquered, whose walls fell miraculously after Israel marched around them
Jordan River
View on MapMiraculously crossed on dry ground, marking Israel's entry into the Promised Land
Bethel
View on MapBethel means "House of God" and was where Jacob had his famous dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Abraham also built altars here. Later, Jeroboam set up a golden calf here as an alternative worship site to Jerusalem, which was condemned by prophets.
Position in Book
Entering the LandChapters 1-5
Conquering the LandChapters 6-12
Fall of Jericho, Achan's sin, conquest of Ai, the Gibeonite deception, southern and northern campaigns, list of defeated kings.
Dividing the LandChapters 13-21
Serving the LordChapters 22-24