Poetry · Chapter
The Sin of Achan explained
The chapter recounts the biblical story of Achan's sin, which caused Israel's defeat in battle, and draws a parallel to the national sin of slavery, calling for a modern-day Joshua to lead the nation to freedom and jubilee.
What happens
The chapter recounts the biblical story of Achan's sin, which caused Israel's defeat in battle, and draws a parallel to the national sin of slavery, calling for a modern-day Joshua to lead the nation to freedom and jubilee.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Class
The chapter uses the story of Achan to condemn the 'clinging curse and crime' of slavery, framing it as a national sin that must be purged for the oppressed to be free.
Freedom and Liberation
The call for a 'strong-hearted Joshua' to rid the nation of its curse culminates in a vision of the oppressed shouting the nation's Jubilee, symbolizing liberation.
Faith and Divine Justice
Joshua's plea to God and the divine revelation of Achan's trespass emphasize that justice and victory come from faithfulness and purging sin.
Characters to notice
- Joshua
Joshua is portrayed as a faithful leader who seeks God's answer for Israel's defeat and serves as a model for a future leader who will rid the nation of its curse and crime.
- The People
The people of Israel are depicted as initially flushed with hope but then routed and defeated, later purging the evil from their tents to win the battle.
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator reflects on the ancient tale and applies its lesson as a warning for the present time, calling for a leader to end oppression.
Key passages
“Oh, for some strong-hearted Joshua! Faithful to his day and time, Who will wholly rid the nation Of her clinging curse and crime.”
The narrator longs for a courageous leader who will completely cleanse the nation of its persistent sin and injustice.
This directly calls for a modern leader to end slavery, echoing the biblical Joshua's role.
“Till she writes on every banner All beneath these folds are free, And the oppressed and groaning millions Shout the nation’s Jubilee.”
Until the nation declares freedom for all under its flag, and the suffering multitudes celebrate their liberation.
This envisions a future where slavery is abolished and the oppressed rejoice in national redemption.