The answer is: Theft

Josh 7:1

Achan’s story is a striking lesson about the burden of sin and its consequences. As we explore Joshua 7, we find Israel on the edge of fulfilling their promised land destiny, but one man's greed jeopardizes their collective success. Achan's theft was not just a crime against God’s command—it's often perceived as an act that betrayed his people.

He coveted items from Jericho, which were set aside for destruction or dedicated to God. You might recall the Ten Commandments, specifically Exodus 20:17: “You shall not covet.” His actions highlight how theft can stem from deeper issues of desire, illustrating a broader concept that sin often begins in our hearts.

Intriguingly, the word "Achan" means "troubler." His name foreshadows the trouble his sin would bring upon Israel, initiating a series of defeats that could have altered the course of their journey into the land of Canaan.

Another fascinating point: the principle of communal responsibility runs deeply throughout the biblical narrative—Achan’s actions didn’t just impact him; they affected the entire nation (Josh 7:5). This reflects a broader biblical theme where individual actions can carry weight beyond personal significance, reminding us that our choices resonate within and beyond our immediate circles.

Achan’s ultimate fate serves as a stark reminder that unconfessed sin often finds us out—important in a world often swayed by the allure of "what’s mine" versus "what’s divine." The story serves to challenge minds and hearts regarding priorities and community.