But the Israelites were unfaithful concerning the devoted things. Achan, son of Carmi, of the tribe of Judah, secretly took some of the things set apart for the Lord, and the Lord's anger burned against Israel.
Joshua sent men from Jericho to spy out Ai, near Beth Aven. The spies returned and said, "Only two or three thousand men need to go up; the city is small." So about three thousand went—but they were defeated by the men of Ai, who killed thirty-six Israelites and chased the rest from the city gate to the slopes. The people's hearts melted like water.
Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the Ark of the Lord until evening, with the elders of Israel, covering themselves with dust. He cried, "Sovereign Lord, why did You bring us across the Jordan just to let the Amorites destroy us? If only we had stayed beyond the Jordan! What will I say now that Israel has turned its back to its enemies? The Canaanites will hear of this and destroy us—what will You do for Your great name?"
Then the Lord said, "Stand up! Israel has sinned. They have taken what was devoted to Me, stolen, lied, and hidden it among their possessions. That is why they cannot stand against their enemies. I will no longer be with you unless you destroy the guilty."
The Lord instructed Joshua to consecrate the people and said, "Tomorrow, you will come tribe by tribe. The tribe I choose will come clan by clan, then family by family, and finally man by man. Whoever is found with the devoted things must be destroyed by fire, for he has violated My covenant and done a disgraceful act in Israel."
The next morning, Joshua brought Israel tribe by tribe, and Judah was chosen. From Judah came the clan of the Zerahites, and then the family of Zimri. Finally, Achan son of Carmi was taken. Joshua said, "My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and confess what you have done."
Achan replied, "I have sinned against the Lord. When I saw a beautiful Babylonian robe, two hundred shekels of silver, and a gold bar weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are buried in my tent, with the silver underneath."
Messengers ran to his tent and found the stolen items just as he said. They brought them before the Lord and laid them out. Then Joshua and all Israel took Achan, his family, and all his belongings to the Valley of Achor. Joshua said, "Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today." All Israel stoned them, and afterward burned them.
A great heap of stones was raised over Achan, and it remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from His fierce anger. That place was called the Valley of Achor—"Valley of Trouble."