Podcast Summary: The Chosen People
Episode: Achan’s Greed
Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Pray.com (Narrator: Paul Coltofianu)
Episode Overview
“Achan’s Greed” immerses listeners in the Old Testament story of Israel’s conquest of Jericho, centering on the devastating consequences of hidden sin within the camp. With cinematic narration and dramatic dialogue, the episode explores how the greed of one man—Achan—led to defeat, divine judgement, and tragic loss, illuminating sobering lessons about obedience, community, and the cost of unfaithfulness to God’s commandments.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Victory at Jericho and Divine Command ([00:33]–[08:18])
- The episode opens with Israel’s triumphant march on Jericho, narrating the supernatural collapse of the city’s walls, emphasizing that the victory was the Lord’s doing—not Joshua’s nor the people’s.
- “It was the lord who marched... who would carry out his plans for his chosen people.” – Narrator ([01:21])
- Joshua’s instructions to the Israelites are clear: all spoils—silver, gold, bronze, and iron—are dedicated to the Lord and must go into the treasury, and anything associated with idolatry must be destroyed:
- Joshua: “Keep yourself from the things set apart or you will be set apart for destruction... All silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are dedicated to the lord and must go into the lord’s treasury.” ([01:41])
2. Achan’s Temptation and Secret Sin ([08:18]–[13:58])
- As Israel destroys the idols and the treasures are separated, Joshua commands the men not to covet what is cursed.
- Joshua: “Do not let greed undo what the lord has done.” ([08:01])
- Inside Jericho’s temple, Achan is seduced by luxury: a Babylonian cloak, gold, and silver. He succumbs to temptation, secretly taking what was forbidden, even as he helps burn the rest.
- Narrator: “But Achan lingered... a cloak of deep red embroidered with gold thread... a pile of shining coins... a bar of silver... ‘You deserve it’... His breath hissed out in a low chuckle. No one will know. No one will ever...” ([10:35]–[12:26])
3. Defeat at Ai: Consequences of Hidden Sin ([16:13]–[22:27])
- The next campaign—attacking the small city of Ai—ends in Israel’s shocking defeat and the death of thirty-six men. The loss is inexplicable after recent miracles.
- Joshua is confused and distraught, seeking God in the Tabernacle, tearing his clothes in grief.
- Joshua: “O Lord God, why have you brought our people across the Jordan only to hand us to our enemies?” ([23:22])
- God reveals the root cause:
- God (via Narrator): “Israel has sinned. They have violated my covenant... They have stolen what was set apart. That is why you cannot stand against your enemies.” ([24:06])
- “Until you remove what is set apart, I will not be with you.”
4. Uncovering the Traitor: The Casting of Lots ([24:20]–[29:47])
- An intense public investigation follows, as Eleazar the High Priest casts lots (using sacred objects known as Urim and Thummim) to find the culprit—narrowing from tribe, to clan, to family, to individual.
- Tension mounts as the process exposes Achan at last.
- Joshua: “My son, give glory to the Lord the God of Israel and confess to him. I urge you to tell me what you’ve done.” ([29:42])
5. Achan’s Confession and Judgment ([29:48]–[32:54])
- Achan admits his guilt, describing what he took and where he hid it:
- Achan: “It’s true I’ve sinned against the Lord... when I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak, five pounds of silver, and a bar of gold... I coveted them so I took them... they’re concealed in the ground beside my tent.” ([30:14]–[31:24])
- The stolen items are recovered, confirming the crime.
- Joshua: “Achan son of Carmi, I sentence you to die for your crimes against the Lord. You have single-handedly cost us the victory against Ai. It is because of you that thirty-six Israelite men are dead...” ([32:12])
- Achan and his family are executed by stoning; he is burned with his idols as a warning landmark named after “trouble.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Joshua to the people:
“The Lord has given us this victory—not I, not you, not any man among us.” ([06:38]) - Joshua, warning against greed:
“Do not let greed undo what the Lord has done.” ([08:01]) - Portrait of Achan’s temptation:
“His breath hissed out in a low chuckle. No one will know. No one will ever...” ([12:29]) - God’s judgment spoken:
“Israel has sinned... That is why you cannot stand against your enemies.” ([24:06]) - Joshua’s final pronouncement:
“It is because of you that the Lord’s anger burns against us. You have single-handedly cost us the victory against Ai... Why have you brought this trouble? Today the Lord will bring you trouble. Let no one in Israel forget this day.” ([32:12]–[32:54])
Timeline of Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:33 | Recounting the fall of Jericho and God’s command | | 06:38 | Joshua credits victory to God, admonishing greed | | 10:35 | Achan’s temptation and theft | | 16:13 | Defeat at Ai; Joshua’s confusion | | 23:22 | Joshua pleads with God; the reason is revealed | | 24:20 | The casting of lots to find the guilty party | | 29:42 | Joshua confronts Achan; confession follows | | 32:12 | Achan’s sentence and communal execution |
Tone and Narrative Style
The storytelling is rich, cinematic, and contemplative. The narrator evokes the sights, sounds, and emotions of ancient Israel, from victory’s euphoria to the heaviness of shame and divine wrath. Joshua’s leadership is portrayed with humility and intensity, while Achan’s internal struggle is depicted through atmosphere and introspective moments. The gravity of sin and its communal implications are at the episode’s core.
Closing Reflection
“Achan’s Greed” is a powerful meditation on integrity, the destructive potential of hidden sin, and the necessity of collective faithfulness. Through evocative dramatization, it brings to life the immediacy of ancient lessons—reminding listeners that unfaithfulness can unravel a community, and that true victory hinges not on human power, but on obedience to the divine.