Definition: And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Joshua 7:24. It’s a really important story about a betrayal and a serious consequence. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Achan Was a Thief: A man named Achan was found guilty of stealing from the people of Israel. He was caught with silver, gold, clothes, a wedge of gold (which is like a large, valuable metal ornament), and his family's possessions. They Took Everything: The Israelites, led by Joshua, completely destroyed Achan’s entire household – his family, including his children, oxen, horses, and even his tent. It was a brutal act of robbery and violence. The Valley of Achor: This is the key part. After this destruction, the people were told they would be exiled to a valley called “Achor” – which means a place of sorrow and hardship. It’s a really bad place to live. Putting it All Together - Simple Explanation: Joshua, with all of Israel, took Achan's belongings – everything he owned – and burned them in the Valley of Achor. It was a terrible display of greed and violence. What’s the Message? This story is a warning about: The dangers of greed: Joshua is showing us that being greedy and focusing on material possessions can lead to serious consequences, even death. Justice and Accountability: It highlights the importance of holding people accountable for their actions, especially when they cause harm to others. Achan's actions were wrong, and he was punished severely. Important Note: This is a very dramatic passage in the Bible, and it’s meant to be powerful. It’s not just about a single act; it’s a story about a larger issue of sin and the consequences that follow. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Explain the symbolism behind the valley of Achor (it often represents sorrow and hardship). Discuss the context of the story within the larger narrative of Joshua’s leadership.