In Joshua 7, an Israelite soldier steals some prohibited items in Jericho, causing Israel’s defeat before the people of Ai. Joshua and the elders mourn their loss and pray, asking God to think about His reputation should the Canaanites remove Israel from the land. The LORD reveals the reason for their defeat and instructs them to examine each tribe, clan, and family to identify the culprit. Joshua follows the divine command and successfully identifies Achan as the sinner who brings a curse upon the covenant community. After sending messengers to Achan’s tent to find the stolen objects, Joshua and the Israelites kill him and his entire family. The chapter’s outline is as follows:

1. The LORD is angry against Israel because one of its soldiers steals some items from Jericho which were supposed to be destroyed or given to God’s tabernacle (v. 1).
   
   
2. Joshua sends men to scout the city of Ai. Upon their return, they tell him not to deploy the entire Israelite army because the people of Ai are few. Joshua commissions about three thousand men, but the army of Ai defeats them, causing dismay in the Israelite camp (vv. 2-5).
   
   
3. Joshua and the elders mourn Israel’s defeat and bow before the Ark of the Covenant. While lying on the ground, Joshua petitions God, challenging Him to think about His reputation should the Canaanite nations remove Israel from the land (vv. 6-9).
   
   
4. The LORD tells Joshua that an Israelite soldier has stolen some items devoted to destruction and brought a curse among the covenant community. He instructs Joshua to identify the culprit and purge him from Israel (vv. 10-15).
   
   
5. Joshua examines each tribe, clan, and family. He successfully identifies Achan as the culprit and asks him to disclose his sin. Achan confesses his sin and reveals the nature of the items he stole (vv. 16-21).
   
   
6. Joshua sends messengers to Achan to find the stolen items. Once they find them, the Israelites stone Achan and his family and burn all his belongings (vv. 22-26).