Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn up their chariots." Then the LORD said to Joshua,The Lord addressed Joshua as Israel faced the great northern coalition gathered under Jabin of Hazor. Joshua’s authority rested not in military genius but in obedience to the God who had appointed him to lead Israel after Moses. Jos 1:1 Now after the death of His servant Moses,… “Do not be afraid of them, The armies opposing Israel possessed numerous horses and chariots, weapons that could inspire fear in an infantry force. The Lord’s command recalled His earlier charge to Joshua to be strong and courageous, because His presence—not Israel’s resources—secured the land. Deu 7:18 But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember… for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. God declared the outcome before the battle began and fixed its timing according to His sovereign purpose. Israel would fight, but the victory belonged to the Lord, who had promised to give Canaan to Abraham’s descendants. Exo 9:5 The LORD set a time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this… You are to hamstring their horses After the victory, Israel was to disable the captured horses so that the enemy’s cavalry could not be restored. The command also prevented Israel from building its confidence around horses and military strength rather than depending upon the Lord. 2Sa 8:4 David captured from him a thousand chariots,… and burn up their chariots.” The destruction of the chariots removed the most feared instruments of Canaanite warfare and demonstrated that Israel was not to preserve what God had judged. The Lord who overwhelmed Pharaoh’s chariots at the Red Sea would again show that human power cannot stand against His purpose. 2Ki 23:11 And he removed from the entrance to the house of the LORD… Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, who provides guidance and assurance to His people. 2. Joshua The leader of Israel, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 3. The Enemy Kings and Armies A coalition of Canaanite kings and their armies who oppose Israel's conquest of the land. 4. Horses and Chariots Symbols of military power and strength in ancient warfare, representing the might of the enemy forces. 5. Israel The chosen people of God, who are in the process of conquering the Promised Land as part of God's covenant promise. Teaching Points Trust in God's PromisesJust as God assured Joshua of victory, believers today can trust in God's promises and His faithfulness. Overcoming Fear God's command to Joshua not to fear is a reminder that fear can be overcome by faith in God's power and plan. Divine Strategy God's instruction to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots teaches reliance on divine strategy rather than human strength. God's Sovereignty The passage underscores God's control over the events of history and His ability to deliver His people. Spiritual Warfare The physical battle faced by Joshua can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual battles, where believers are called to rely on God's strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's assurance to Joshua in this passage encourage you in facing your own fears and challenges?2. What are some "horses and chariots" in your life that you might be tempted to rely on instead of trusting in God? 3. How can the principle of divine strategy in this passage be applied to decision-making in your life? 4. In what ways does this passage demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can that understanding impact your daily walk with Him? 5. How can the themes of this passage be connected to the New Testament teachings on spiritual warfare and reliance on God's power? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 20:1This verse provides a similar assurance from God to Israel not to fear their enemies, emphasizing God's presence and deliverance. Psalm 20:7 Highlights the contrast between trusting in chariots and horses versus trusting in the name of the LORD. Isaiah 31:1 Warns against relying on horses and chariots for security instead of trusting in God. Romans 8:31 Echoes the theme of God's support, stating that if God is for us, who can be against us?
People Amorites, Anakites, Canaanites, Debir, Gad, Gibeon, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jabin, Jebusites, Jobab, Joshua, Perizzites, Seir, Shimron, ZidonPlaces Achshaph, Anab, Arabah, Ashdod, Baal-gad, Chinneroth, Debir, Gath, Gaza, Gibeon, Hazor, Hebron, Hermon, Madon, Merom, Misrephoth-maim, Mount Halak, Mount Hermon, Naphoth-dor, Negeb, Seir, Shimron, Sidon, Valley of Lebanon, Valley of MizpehTopics Afraid, Burn, Burned, Chariots, Cut, Dead, Deliver, Fear, Fire, Giving, Hamstring, Hock, Horses, Hough, Joshua, Leg-muscles, Morrow, Presence, Slain, Tomorrow, To-morrow, War-carriages, WoundedDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 11:6Library Caesarea. Strato's Tower. The Arabian interpreter thinks the first name of this city was Hazor, Joshua 11:1. The Jews, Ekron, Zephaniah 2:4. "R. Abhu saith," (he was of Caesarea,) "Ekron shall be rooted out"; this is Caesarea, the daughter of Edom, which is situated among things profane. She was a goad, sticking in Israel, in the days of the Grecians. But when the kingdom of the Asmonean family prevailed, it overcame her, &c. R. Josi Bar Chaninah saith, What is that that is written, 'And Ekron shall be as a Jebusite?' (Zech … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ] The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. Joshua Links Joshua 11:6 NIVJoshua 11:6 NLT Joshua 11:6 ESV Joshua 11:6 NASB Joshua 11:6 KJV Joshua 11:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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