Sabdi (also known as Zimri) was the son of Serah and grandson of Judah. He is best known as the grandfather of Achan, who stole from the devoted things after the conquest of Jericho, which led to Israel's defeat at Ai and Achan's execution.
Sabdi is mentioned as the son of Serah and father of Karmi in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah, and thus grandfather to Achan who sinned against the Lord.
1But the Israelites broke faith concerning the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was devoted, and the LORD's anger burned against the Israelites.
17He brought forward the clans of Judah, and the clan of the Zerahites was singled out. He brought the clan of the Zerahites forward man by man, and Zabdi was singled out.
When Israel suffered defeat at Ai, God revealed that Achan, Sabdi's grandson, had taken from the devoted things from Jericho. Joshua had the tribes come forward, and the tribe of Judah was selected, then the clan of Zerah, and finally the family of Zabdi.
17He brought forward the clans of Judah, and the clan of the Zerahites was singled out. He brought the clan of the Zerahites forward man by man, and Zabdi was singled out.
Because of the sin in Sabdi's lineage, Israel suffered a humiliating defeat at Ai, where about 36 men fell. This showed that sin in the camp had consequences for the entire people.
2Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which lies near Beth Aven, east of Bethel, and told them, "Go up and scout out the land." So the men went up and scouted Ai.
3When they returned to Joshua they said, "There is no need for the whole army to go up. Send about two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Do not wear out the whole army there, for the people of Ai are few."
5The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as Shebarim and cutting them down on the slope. At this the hearts of the people melted and turned to water.
After the sin was exposed, Achan along with his family and possessions were taken to the Valley of Achor, where they were stoned and burned as judgment for disobedience to God's command.
24Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, along with the silver, the robe, and the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and everything he had, and brought them up to the Valley of Achor.
25Joshua said, "Why have you brought this disaster on us? Today the LORD brings disaster on you." Then all Israel pelted him with stones, and they burned them with fire and stoned them with stones.
26Over him they piled a great heap of stones, which remains to this day. Then the LORD turned from his fierce anger. That is why the place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since.