Joshua 7:1 the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi,… of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.
Hiding devoted things stirs the anger of God. Achan coveted the dedicated plunder, stole and hid a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekel in his tent. One man’s sin of coveting, stealing, lying and hoarding brought curse upon Israel – Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant (vs 11). Anything that is under a covenant is devoted and set apart. Taking anything that does not rightfully belong to us brings the wrath of God upon us and our family line. For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery (Isaiah 61:8). Achan’s self-indulgence plunged the whole community to suffer shame. Until justice was settled and Achan, his family, flock and fortune were stoned, the entire congregation was under the cloud of the curse.
Secretive concealed crime will be openly rebuked. Anything under a covenant is consecrated. Breaking into possessions, profits or people that have been set apart will bring curse and condemnation.
Consequences on covenant stealing thieves:
1. Riches: Taking what does not belong to us brings curse. The plunder need not directly hurt anyone, yet, the treasure that we hide is only trash. This includes tax evasion, bribery or tithe reduction. Jesus was very clear that avaricious materialism will only accumulate misfortune. Luke 12:17 “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” The Lord God is the defender of the defenceless, helpless and powerless. Psalms 146:9 The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked. Mismanaging money entrusted to us will bring curse upon our family.
2. Relationship: Coveting the relationship of others brings curse. Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbour’s.” The canon restricts coveting any covenant relationships, as craving for another man’s wife, crop or calf will insinuate stealing. Any secretive affairs, associations or connections are only trips and traps to impending danger and devastation. Mishandling relationships will result in reproach.
3. Reputation: Stealing reputation is as serious as robbing money or marriage. Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that breathes forth lies shall not escape. Even if the slander is partially or fully true, if the intention is to mar the reputation of another, it is wicked. We have no right to slander, gossip or spread rumours about prophets, preachers or priests. “Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets” (1 Chronicles 16:22). When ministers violate their covenant with God, the Lord God will deal with them. We must learn to step out and zip up. Miscommunication, misinterpretation and slander to soil the reputation of others brings curse upon our family.
Joshua and the Israelites reversed the curse with fasting, petition, penitence and prayer. The hamstring of repentance, regret and restitution will revoke the consequences of breaking covenantal conventions.
Luke 19:7 If I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I seek your wisdom to manage my resources, relationships and reputation. Help me to be cautious never to violate covenantal canons and conventions. Amen
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