20. Didn’t divine anger fall on the entire community of Israel when Achan, a member of the clan of Zerah, sinned by stealing the things set apart for the lord? He was not the only one who died because of his sin.”
21. Then the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the heads of the clans of Israel:
22. “The lord, the Mighty One, is God! The lord, the Mighty One, is God! He knows the truth, and may Israel know it, too! We have not built the altar in treacherous rebellion against the lord. If we have done so, do not spare our lives this day.
23. If we have built an altar for ourselves to turn away from the lord or to offer burnt offerings or grain offerings or peace offerings, may the lord himself punish us.