Achor
“Trouble, disturbance”
Summary
A valley near Jericho where Achan was executed for violating the ban, whose name became proverbial for trouble transformed into hope.
☩Location and Name
The Valley of Achor was situated near Jericho, on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin. Its name means 'trouble,' given because of the distress Achan's sin caused Israel. The valley was known for its fertility despite its dark associations.
☩The Judgment of Achan
After Israel's defeat at Ai, Joshua discovered that Achan had violated God's command by taking devoted things from Jericho. Achan, his family, and all his possessions were brought to this valley where he was stoned and buried, becoming a memorial of judgment against covenant unfaithfulness.
☩Prophetic Significance
The prophets later transformed the negative associations of Achor into a symbol of hope. Isaiah speaks of it as a place where flocks would lie down, indicating future blessing. Hosea declares that God would make the Valley of Achor 'a door of hope,' signifying that God would transform Israel's troubles into opportunity for restoration.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Achor," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Achor," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Achor," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).