Joshua 7:19

Observe what a beautiful example Joshua holds forth to judges, and men in authority, when exercising their judicial power over the guilty. No railing accusation, but the most patient language. There needed no confession by way of gaining information, for the same Lord, who by lot pointed to the very man, could with equal ease have pointed to the crime. But it was, perhaps, meant in mercy to Achan, that by confessing his sin, the Lord might be merciful to his soul in another world, though suffering the just reward of his deeds in the body in this. Luke 23:39.