Why does God forgive some people’s sins in the OT and show great mercy, but punish other people (like Achan) to the point of death even when they are repentant?

Why was God so harsh in punishment with Achan’s sin (Joshua 7) but completely pardoned Ahab in 2 Kings 21? If God dealt harshly with Achan because of the covenant He made back in Exodus 23:20-22, why would He even make that covenant knowing that it would prevent His mercy later on?

Joshua 7:24 - 26

NKJV - ²⁴ Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor. ²⁵ And Joshua said, "Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day." So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones.

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked March 22 2021 • Anonymous