Then they raised over him a great heap of stones that stands to this day, and the LORD turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day. (Joshua 7:26). In this final verse of the chapter, we see the aftermath of Achan’s sin. Achan, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah who lived around 1400 BC, violated God’s command by taking the spoils of Jericho when God had decreed they be destroyed. As a consequence, Israel suffered defeat at Ai and fell under the LORD’s wrath until they removed the sin from among them. Here, the people raise a mound of stones over Achan, signifying both his burial and a perpetual reminder of the seriousness of violating God’s covenant.
The heap of stones became a monument that “stands to this day,” teaching future generations the importance of obedience. The LORD’s anger turned away when justice was fulfilled, reaffirming for Israel that holiness and trust in God’s commands bring restoration. The stone memorial also served as a visible witness that accountability matters to God, who had promised to be with His people as they conquered the Promised Land, provided they remained faithful (Joshua 6:18-19, 7:1-5).
The name of the location—Valley of Achor—means “trouble,” as mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures. It commemorates how Achan’s sin brought trouble upon Israel, yet also how God’s mercy follows repentance. The contrast between judgment and restored fellowship stands as a reminder that when sin is dealt with, the LORD’s favor returns to His people.
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Joshua 7:26 meaning
Then they raised over him a great heap of stones that stands to this day, and the LORD turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day. (Joshua 7:26). In this final verse of the chapter, we see the aftermath of Achan’s sin. Achan, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah who lived around 1400 BC, violated God’s command by taking the spoils of Jericho when God had decreed they be destroyed. As a consequence, Israel suffered defeat at Ai and fell under the LORD’s wrath until they removed the sin from among them. Here, the people raise a mound of stones over Achan, signifying both his burial and a perpetual reminder of the seriousness of violating God’s covenant.
The heap of stones became a monument that “stands to this day,” teaching future generations the importance of obedience. The LORD’s anger turned away when justice was fulfilled, reaffirming for Israel that holiness and trust in God’s commands bring restoration. The stone memorial also served as a visible witness that accountability matters to God, who had promised to be with His people as they conquered the Promised Land, provided they remained faithful (Joshua 6:18-19, 7:1-5).
The name of the location—Valley of Achor—means “trouble,” as mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures. It commemorates how Achan’s sin brought trouble upon Israel, yet also how God’s mercy follows repentance. The contrast between judgment and restored fellowship stands as a reminder that when sin is dealt with, the LORD’s favor returns to His people.