The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Achan

ACHAN, or ACHAR, äʜ′än, a Biblical character whose story is found in the Book of Joshua, chapter VII. Israel had been forbidden to take captives or spoil at the capture of Jericho. Achan violated the taboo. Disaster came to Israel. Investigation followed. After he was discovered by lot, Achan confessed. He and his family were stoned and burned and their property was also burned. The family were destroyed as accessories after the fact. This incident has suggested a phrase often used in literature – “there is an Achan in the camp,” meaning that some member of the group is not true to his obligations.