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Joshua 7:6 – Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell face down to the ground before the Ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening. Shortly after their miraculous victory over the city-state of Jericho, the Israelites suffered humiliating defeat at the small town of Ai. They were so confident it could be conquered that they recommended only two or three thousand soldiers be sent to overthrow it. To everyone’s surprise, however, Ai scattered Israel’s army, and killed thirty-six of their soldiers. This was a catastrophic disaster.  As Joshua lay face down before the Ark of the Covenant, God revealed the reason for Israel’s defeat: Before the attack on Jericho, God gave clear instructions: “All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into His treasury.” But an Israelite soldier named Achan found some precious things in Jericho, and kept them for himself. God was now withholding his support until Achan be singled out and put to death. Achan could’ve confessed and begged for mercy. He might never outlived the shame, but perhaps he could have saved his own life. But Achan refused to confess until it was too late. We can learn from his mistake, and be prepared to repent and ask for forgiveness when we need it.