OBC: The Story of Achan
| OBC: The Story of Balaam | OBC: The Story of Achan | OBC: The Story of Hannah |
"OBC: The Story of Achan" is a two-part story arc from the Odyssey Bible Comics series, re-written by Evan David and illustrated by Sergio Cariello. The comic adapts the events of Joshua 6–7, focusing on the sin of Achan following the fall of Jericho. The story features cousins Patrick and Beth traveling back in time via the Imagination Station to witness the consequences of hidden sin in the early days of Israel’s conquest of Canaan.
Plot Synopsis
The story begins just after the fall of Jericho. God has commanded the Israelites to destroy everything in the city and devote all silver, gold, and other valuables to the treasury of the Lord. However, one man—Achan—disobeys, secretly taking riches for himself and hiding them beneath his tent.
Unaware of the sin in their midst, Joshua and the Israelites attempt to conquer the small city of Ai. Confident they’ll win easily, they send only a portion of their army—but are swiftly defeated. Thirty-six men die, and Israel is left shocked and demoralized. Joshua falls before the Ark of the Covenant in despair until God reveals that someone has broken faith with the Lord.
The next day, tribe by tribe, clan by clan, and family by family, the Lord narrows down the culprit. Eventually, Achan is identified and confesses. He, his family, and all he owned are destroyed as a warning to Israel. Afterward, Patrick and Beth return to Whit’s End, sobered by the seriousness of Achan’s sin.
Character Development
Patrick and Beth are active participants throughout the story. They arrive in Jericho just after the walls fall, observing the Israelites' obedience as they collect and melt down silver and gold for the treasury. Patrick casually speculates that nothing else major will happen, while Beth is more alert to potential danger.
Later, the kids are present at the battle of Ai. Before the attack, Patrick dismisses the challenge, joking that it will be “no sweat.” After the stunning defeat, both are shaken. Back at the Israelite camp, they witness Joshua’s anguish, and Patrick asks, “How long do you think he’s going to stay like that?”—a moment that contrasts his earlier overconfidence.
In the second strip, the kids stand alongside the tribes as God narrows down the guilty party. Patrick grows impatient with the long process, while Beth shows a more contemplative attitude. When Achan finally confesses, Beth helps uncover the buried treasure and brings it forward, while Patrick comments with a mix of curiosity and guilt, asking, “Where’d you get that shovel?”
The story highlights the ongoing contrast in Patrick and Beth’s personalities. Patrick initially exhibits a casual, even flippant attitude—confident about victory at Ai and dismissive of the seriousness of the Lord’s commands. Beth, however, is more spiritually sensitive, reacting with unease when Patrick jokes and showing reverence during the process of divine selection.
Their dynamic shifts after the defeat at Ai. Patrick’s jokes fade as the weight of the situation settles in. Beth doesn’t scold him but models steadiness, participating in the investigation with focus and care. By the end of the story, both kids are humbled—Patrick especially—realizing that sin has real consequences even when hidden. Their quiet interaction during the uncovering of the treasure shows their growing maturity and mutual respect.
Lesson
The Achan story powerfully illustrates that no sin is hidden from God and that disobedience—even by one person—can affect an entire community. The comic teaches the importance of purity, honesty, and collective responsibility. It emphasizes that God is not only loving, but also just, and that His people must walk in obedience to be part of His blessing.