Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The lord will bring trouble on you today.” Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. (Joshua 7:24-25 NIV)

What terrible thing did Achan and all his family do? As part of an army of aggression, he invaded a city, killed all the men, women, and children, killed the livestock, and burned it to the ground.

Just kidding. That’s not his crime. Instead, Achan and his family were stoned and burned because he stole a little loot, rather than burning it all.

Also, thirty-six Israelites are killed in a failed raid on Ai, because Achan secretly looted the city they destroyed.

Four chapters, two towns razed. Their crimes? None; their land was promised to Israel.

Before all the town razing, they first had to circumcise all the males with flint knives. Why weren’t they already circumcised?

They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. (Joshua 5:7 NIV)

That’s not an answer

Next: Joshua 9-11.