All are doubtless familiar with Achan’s case. It is recorded in sacred history for all generations, but more especially for those upon whom the ends of the world are come. Joshua lay moaning upon his face before God because the people were obliged to make a disgraceful retreat before their enemies. The Lord bade Joshua arise: “Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?” Have I humbled without cause by removing My presence from thee? Does God forsake His people without a cause? No; He tells Joshua that there is a work for him to do before his prayer can be answered. “Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also.” He declares: “Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” {3T 520.1}

Alle kender uden tvivl Akans problem. Det er nedskrevet i den hellige historie for alle slægter, men på særlig måde for dem verdens ende kommer over. Josva kaster sig klagende ned for Gud fordi folket var nød til at lave et skammeligt tilbagetog for deres fjender. Herren bad Josva rejse sig: »Stå op! Hvorfor ligger du på dit ansigt?« Har jeg ydmyget jer uden årsag og fjernet min nærhed fra jer? Forlader Gud sit folk uden grund? Nej; han fortæller Josva at der er et arbejde for ham at gøre - for at hans bøn skal besvares. »Israel har syndet, thi de har forbrudt sig imod min pagt, som jeg pålagde dem; de har tilvendt sig noget af det bandlyste, de har stjålet; de har skjult det, de har gemt det i deres oppakning.« Han erklærer: »Jeg vil ikke mere være med eder, hvis I ikke bortrydder bandet af eders midte."