Joshua 11:1-15: Hamstring Their Horses, Burn Their Chariots
Joshua 11:1-15: Hamstring Their Horses, Burn Their Chariots
"9 Joshua did to them as the LORD had directed: He hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots."
◇ King Jabin of Hazor heard about the defeat of the united forces of Jerusalem and the four kings, and the destruction of the Amorite city-states in the south. He then formed a coalition with nearby kings to oppose Joshua and the Israelites.
Even after hearing how Gibeon and the surrounding cities deceitfully made a treaty with Joshua and saved their lives, Jabin didn't make the same decision. Despite knowing about the alliance and subsequent defeat of the kings of Jerusalem, he chose the same strategy. He gathered the kings of Madon, Shimron, Acshaph, and the kings from the northern hill country, south of Kinneroth, the Arabah, the plains, and the heights of Dor on the west, all the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and all their neighbors.
Scripture says they were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, with a vast number of horses and chariots (v.4). Their sheer size and power must have been intimidating, perhaps even paralyzing Joshua and the Israelites with fear.
God speaks to Joshua: "Do not be afraid of them, because at this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots" (v.6).
It seems God knew that Joshua and the people were afraid. God tells them not to fear. Be courageous. God instructs them to win the battle, then hamstring the horses and burn the chariots.
How could he possibly say that horses or chariots, the essential tools in war, should be crippled or burned instead of being captured and carefully preserved for the next war? Joshua obeys without question.
The Canaanite war is not about Joshua and Israel's efforts. It's not about spears and swords, horses and chariots. It is about God's power and how God is doing it.
The battles of our lives are not about our abilities. It's about God's power. It's about following God's will, following God's character, and obeying God's commands. Only then will we triumph. Even in defeat, there is triumph, like Joshua and Israel.
♧ Faithful God, thank You for comforting and encouraging us as You comforted and encouraged Joshua and the Israelites, who were afraid of the army and chariots. Help us obey Your commands and fight by Your methods. Let us not rely on horses and chariots. Holy Spirit, strengthen us with courage. Amen.