Late 15th Century BC (Conquest of Canaan)
The Israelites were in the process of conquering Canaan, a land inhabited by various Canaanite tribes with distinct polytheistic practices.
Canaan was a region of city-states, each with its own king, often engaged in local conflicts. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were establishing themselves as a new power.
The events occur near the city of Ai, which is located in the central highlands of Canaan, near Jericho.
The Israelites were under strict divine commandments to destroy the Canaanite cities and not to take any spoils for themselves, as a test of obedience and faithfulness to God.
Joshua
Achan
An Israelite who disobeyed God's command by taking forbidden items from Jericho, leading to Israel's defeat at Ai.