Breach of the Covenant: When One Sin Affects Many
Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 6 - Sunday Breach of the Covenant Scripture Focus: Joshua 7 In Joshua 7, Israel experienced a shocking and humbling defeat at Ai. Fresh off victory at Jericho, the people expected another triumph—but instead, they fled before their enemies. Why? Scripture highlights two major causes : Achan’s Sinful Disobedience — Achan violated God’s clear command by taking forbidden items from Jericho (Joshua 7:1). His private sin brought public consequences. God declared, “Israel has sinned… they have taken some of the devoted things” (Joshua 7:11). One man’s hidden actions affected the entire nation. Israel’s Pride and Self-Reliance — After Jericho’s miraculous victory, Israel assumed success was guaranteed. The spies recommended only a small force, relying on human assessment rather than seeking God (Joshua 7:3). Their confidence shifted from God’s power to their own strength. Together, personal sin and corporat...