The name Achan means trouble or troubler. God gave specific instructions not to take any of the spoils of Jericho but everything was to be destroyed and the gold and silver placed in the treasury. Achan rebelled against this command which influenced the consequent proceedings in their defeat at Ai.

The death of Achan while understandable raises several questions especially related to his family and animals. They all perished with Achan. The Bible tells is that children should not be punished for the sins of their parents.

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. (Deuteronomy 24:16)

Why were Achan’s children put to death when the law forbade this practice? Is there more to the story in relation to the history of Israel and their ability to trust in the protection and provision of God?