For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
After the great victory at Jericho, God's people stumble — and learn that hiding wrong only makes things worse.
Today's Story
After Jericho, God's people felt strong. They went to attack a small town called Ai, sure they'd win easily. But something went wrong — they lost the battle and had to run away! Joshua was confused and upset. “God, why did this happen?” he prayed.
God showed Joshua the problem: someone had disobeyed. At Jericho, God had said not to take any of the treasure for themselves. But one man, named Achan, had secretly taken some beautiful things — gold, silver, and a fine robe — and hidden them in the ground under his tent. He thought no one would know. But God knew.
Achan's hidden disobedience had caused trouble for the WHOLE group. When Joshua asked him, Achan finally admitted it: “It's true. I sinned. I saw the things, I wanted them, I took them, and I hid them.” His secret was finally out in the open.
It was a hard lesson: hidden sin doesn't stay hidden, and it can hurt everyone. God wants us to obey Him and be honest. When we do wrong, the best thing is always to come clean and make it right.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Achan hid what he did, but God knew. Why can't we really hide things from God?
- Achan's secret hurt the whole group, not just him. How can our choices affect other people?
- When Achan was caught, he finally told the truth. Why is it always better to be honest and come clean?