As the children of Israel prepared to attack Jericho, the gateway to Canaan land, God commanded them to destroy all the people of Jericho with all their properties, except the vessels of silver, gold, brass and iron which were meant to be used for God's service. They were warned never to take for themselves any property from Jericho.

After conquering Jericho, they proceeded to fight against a tiny enemy town called AI. But in the process, thirty-six men among the Israelites were killed by the men of AI and the rest were chased away shamefully and disgraced because one of the men of Israel called Achan disobeyed God's command. This made God not to protect or help them in the battle.

Achan fell into a chain of sins by (1) Looking at and admiring the Babylonish garment, money and gold. (2) Coveting the Babylonish properties. (3) Disobeying God's command by stealing the Babylonish properties. (4) Trying to cover his sins by secretly hiding the stolen Babylonish properties in his room. (5) Influencing his family members to join him in covering up his sins. (6) Causing the death of his family and thirty-six men of Israel. (7) Causing the anger of God to come upon the Israelites.

Achan's sins could not be hidden from God. He was exposed and disgraced. Himself, his wife and children were all stoned to death and burnt with all their properties including what he stole and attempted to cover up. At the tail end of every chain of sins is damnation and destruction. But only Jesus has the power to break the chain and set the sinner free through repentance and cleansing in His precious blood. Repent now and be free from the consequences of your sins.