Achar

Who was Achar?

Achar, also known as Achan, was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah who became infamous for his disobedience to God during the conquest of Canaan. His name appears in 1 Chronicles 2:7, where he is referred to as “Achar, the troubler of Israel,” a play on the Hebrew root word עָכַר (akar), meaning “to trouble” or “to bring disaster.” The name Achar is a deliberate variation of his original name Achan (עָכָן, Akan, meaning “trouble” or “he that troubles”) to emphasize his role in bringing calamity upon Israel through his sin.

Biblical References

Achan’s Sin and God’s Judgment

The Trespass at Jericho

Achan’s sin occurred during Israel’s conquest of Jericho, the first major city they encountered after crossing the Jordan River. God had explicitly commanded that the city and all its spoil be devoted to destruction (Joshua 6:17-19). However, Achan coveted and took some of the forbidden items: a beautiful Babylonian garment, 200 shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing 50 shekels. He hid them in his tent, violating God’s command and bringing sin into the camp.

Unaware of the sin, Joshua led the people to attack the smaller city of Ai, but they were defeated (Joshua 7:4-5). God revealed that the defeat was due to sin in the camp. Through a process of elimination by tribe, family, and household, Achan was identified as the transgressor. When confronted, he confessed his sin (Joshua 7:20-21).

Achan, along with his family and possessions, was taken to the Valley of Achor, where he was stoned and burned (Joshua 7:24-26). The name of the valley, Achor, meaning “trouble,” became symbolic of both judgment and, later, hope (Hosea 2:15).

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Achar’s story serves as a solemn warning about the consequences of hidden sin, disobedience, and covetousness. His sin was not merely a private failing; it had corporate consequences. The entire nation suffered because of one man’s rebellion. This teaches Christians that unrepented sin in the body of Christ can hinder God’s blessings and mission.

It also highlights the seriousness of obeying God’s Word completely. Partial obedience or secret rebellion brings dishonor to God’s name and harms His people. The story of Achan reminds believers that confession, while necessary, does not always remove the temporal consequences of sin.

At the same time, the Valley of Achor becomes a signpost of hope in later Scripture (Hosea 2:15), showing that God can turn a place of judgment into a gateway of restoration and mercy through repentance.

How Achar’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Achar’s sin and its consequences underscore humanity’s deep need for atonement. His story mirrors the greater narrative of Scripture: man sins, judgment comes, and a means of redemption is needed. In the case of Achar, there was no substitute; he bore the penalty himself.

But the gospel introduces Jesus Christ as our perfect substitute. Where Achar died for his own sin, Jesus died for ours. He bore the wrath of God so that we would not have to. Just as Achan‘s disobedience brought defeat to Israel, so Christ’s obedience brings victory to all who believe.

Furthermore, the transformation of the Valley of Achor into a “door of hope” in Hosea 2:15 is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. In Him, places of judgment become places of grace. Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven, but made new.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Holiness of God

God’s response to Achan‘s sin reveals His absolute holiness and intolerance for rebellion. He demands complete obedience from His people.

2. Corporate Responsibility

The judgment on Israel for one man’s sin teaches that the people of God are not isolated individuals. Our actions affect the body of Christ.

3. Hidden Sin Brings Public Consequences

Achan thought his sin was private, but God sees everything. His story reminds believers of the importance of integrity and repentance.

4. Judgment and Hope

While the Valley of Achor was a place of punishment, it later became a symbol of restoration. God disciplines, but He also restores.

5. The Need for a Substitute

Achan bore the penalty for his sin, but his story foreshadows the gospel, where Christ bears our penalty and offers life instead of death.

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there any area of my life where I am hiding sin from others while thinking it’s hidden from God?

  2. How does Achan’s story change my view of the seriousness of disobedience and covetousness?

  3. In what ways do my actions impact the broader community of faith?

  4. Do I truly believe that Jesus bore the full weight of my sin so that I could be restored to God?

  5. How can the promise of hope in Hosea 2:15 encourage me to seek restoration even in my failures?

Achar’s life and death serve as a solemn reminder of God’s justice and the devastating effect of sin—but also as a foreshadowing of the mercy and redemption made available through Jesus Christ.

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