Our God is a jealous God. It is a fearful thing to trifle with Him. Anciently, Achan coveted a golden wedge and a Babylonish garment, and secreted them, and all Israel suffered; they were driven before their enemies. And when Joshua inquired the cause, the Lord said: “Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow: for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.” Achan had sinned, and God destroyed him and all his household, with all they possessed, and wiped the curse from Israel. {1T 140.1}

(140) Vor Gud er en nidkær Gud. Det er forfærdeligt at drive spøg med Gud. Akan begærede fordum en guldtunge og en babylonisk kappe og skjulte dem og hele Israel kom til at lide, idet de blev slået af deres fjender. Og da Josua spurgte om årsagen, sagde Herren: »Stå derfor op, lad folket hellige sig og sig: Helliger eder til i morgen, thi så siger Herren, Israels Gud: Der er band i din midte, Israel; og du kan ikke holde stand over for dine fjender, før I skaffer bandet bort fra eder!« Akan havde syndet og Gud ødelagde ham og hele hans hus med alt, hvad de ejede og udslettede forbandelsen fra Israel.