Achan, Zimri, and the Man Who Showed the Way for Penitents

It is written, "And the sons of Zerah: Zimri and Ethan and Heman and Calcol and Dara, five of them in all" (1 Chronicles 2:6). What is "five of them in all"? They are all five [destined] for the World to Come. It is written "Zimri" and it is written "Achan." Rav and Samuel [differ]: one said his name was Achan, and why was he called Zimri? Because he committed a deed like that of Zimri. And one said his name was Zimri, and why was he called Achan? Because he troubled [achan, a play on the name] the sins of Israel [bringing them to a head]. Rav Huna said in the name of Rabbi Acha: "Whoever offers a thanksgiving sacrifice honors Me, and to him who orders his way I will show the salvation of God" (Psalms 50:23) — this is Achan, who slaughtered his evil inclination as a thanksgiving offering, and "orders his way" [ve-sam derekh] means that he showed the way to penitents [those who return].