Joshua 7

After the victory at Jericho, Israel suffers a devastating defeat at the small city of Ai. Joshua is heartbroken and seeks God, who reveals that Israel has sinned: Achan, from the tribe of Judah, unlawfully took and hid devoted items (a cloak, silver, and gold) from the spoils of Jericho. The entire congregation is brought before God, and Achan is identified by lot. Achan confesses his sin, and he and his family are stoned to death and burned, restoring Israel’s covenant relationship with God.