Achan
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Achan, a descendant of Zerah and son of Carmi, violated the divine command to destroy all spoils from Jericho by secretly retaining silver, gold, and a Babylonian garment, an act that led to Israel's defeat at Ai and his execution by stoning along with his family.
What is the meaning of Achan in the Bible?
Achan, a descendant of Zerah and son of Carmi, violated the divine command to destroy all spoils from Jericho by secretly retaining silver, gold, and a Babylonian garment, an act that led to Israel's defeat at Ai and his execution by stoning along with his family.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Achan's story clarifies the biblical concept of herem (the ban), demonstrating how collective covenant fidelity was viewed as essential for national survival and military success in the conquest narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.