Achan is famous for taking some of the devoted things from the city of Jericho and hiding them in his tent (Joshua 7:1). Israel was not allowed to take any plunder from this city (Joshua 6:18–19) and as a result they were defeated in battle by the city of Ai (Joshua 7:3–5). Thus the sin of one man, Achan, had consequences for the whole nation.
20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah break faith in the matter of the devoted things, and wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And he did not perish alone for his iniquity.’”