Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.
Didn't Achan, the son of Zerah, disobey God by taking the forbidden items, and God's anger fell on all the people of Israel? That man didn't die alone in his sin.
The writer is reminding them that when Achan sinned by taking forbidden treasure, his disobedience brought consequences not just on himself but on the entire community of Israel.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Joshua, after the Israelites had conquered much of the Promised Land, the tribes east of the Jordan built an altar that sparked fears of idolatry among the other tribes, leading to a confrontation. The leaders referenced the earlier story of Achan, who disobeyed God by taking devoted items from Jericho, resulting in defeat at Ai and God's wrath falling on the entire nation, not just the individual. This event highlighted the principle that sin in the community could endanger the whole group as they settled the land.
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