1. Defeat and despair (1-9)

They had been warned not to take any plunder from Jericho (6:18). But greed burned in Achan's heart and he took something. The next city to be conquered was the small city of Ai. They thought Ai was a piece of cake, but when they attacked, they were utterly humiliated. They were defeated and chased from the city gates. The people's hearts melted. Joshua fell face down before the Lord. In his heart he thought that God had failed them.

2. Stand up! Israel has sinned (10-12)

But God had not failed. Israel had been defeated because of a hidden sin. God's covenant had been violated because someone had been greedy. One man had been unfaithful and the nation suffered.

3. The Lord turned from his fierce anger (13-26)

Achan and his act of greed and disobedience was exposed, and he and his family were punished. God's people are defeated if they harbor hidden sin.

Application: Lord, cleanse me from hidden sin.
One Word: One man's sin defeats a nation