What does the Bible say about the sin of Achan?

The story of Achan in Joshua 7 illustrates the grave consequences of sin within God's people. Achan's act of taking the accursed thing—a Babylonish garment, silver, and gold—brought God's judgment upon all Israel. This narrative highlights not only the individual’s responsibility to adhere to God's commands but also the communal repercussions of sin. The Lord's command was clear: the accursed items were not to be taken, and when Achan violated this, the result was Israel's defeat at Ai, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the necessity for holiness among God's people. Through this, we learn the importance of maintaining purity and obeying God's commands to avoid bringing judgment upon ourselves and our community.