TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
ADONAI said to Y'hoshua, "Don't be afraid on their account; because at this time tomorrow I will hand them over, all of them dead, before Isra'el. You are to hamstring their horses and burn up their chariots."
Berean Standard Bible
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.”
American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them; for to-morrow at this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hock their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
World English Bible Messianic
The LORD said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid because of them; for tomorrow at this time, I will deliver them up all slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the Lord sayd vnto Ioshua, Be not afrayd for them: for to morowe about this time will I deliuer them all slaine before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burne their charets with fire.
Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah saith unto Joshua, `Be not afraid of their presence, for to-morrow about this time I am giving all of them wounded before Israel; their horses thou dost hough, and their chariots burn with fire.'
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In the KJVVerse 6,114 of 31,102
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Commentary on Joshua 11 verses 1–9
1 ¶ And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
2 And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,
3 And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.
4 And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.
5 And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel.
6 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
7 So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them.
8 And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.
9 And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
We are here entering upon the story of another campaign that Joshua made, and it was a glorious one, no less illustrious than the former in the success of it, though in respect of miracles it was inferior to it in glory. The wonders God then wrought for them were to animate and encourage them to act vigorously themselves. Thus the war carried on by the preaching of the gospel against Satan's kingdom was at first forwarded by miracles; but, the war being by them sufficiently proved to be of God, the managers of it are now left to the ordinary assistance of divine grace in the use of the sword of the Spirit, and must not expect hail-stones nor the standing still of the sun. In this story we have,
I. The Canaanites taking the field against Israel. They were the aggressors, God hardening their hearts to begin the war, that Israel might be justified beyond exception in destroying them. Joshua and all Israel had returned to the camp at Gilgal, and perhaps these kings knew no other than that they intended to sit down content with the conquest they had already made, and yet they prepare war against them. Note, Sinners bring ruin upon their own heads, so that God will be justified when he speaks, and they alone shall bear the blame for ever. Judah had now couched as a lion gone up from the prey; if the northern kings rouse him up, it is at their peril, Gen 49:9. Now, 1. Several nations joined in this confederacy, some in the mountains and some in the plains, Jos 11:2. Canaanites from east and west, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, etc. (Jos 11:3), of different constitutions and divided interests among themselves, and yet they here unite against Israel as against a common enemy. Thus are the children of this world more unanimous, and therein wiser, than the children of light. The oneness of the church's enemies should shame the church's friends out of their discords and divisions, and engage them to be one. 2. The head of this confederacy was Jabin king of Hazor (Jos 11:1), as Adoni-zedec was of the former; it is said (Jos 11:10) Hazor had been the head of all those kingdoms, which could not have revolted without occasioning ill-will; but this was forgotten and laid aside upon this occasion, by consent of parties, Luk 23:12. When they had all drawn up their forces together, every kingdom bringing in its quota, they were a very great army, much greater than the former, as the sand on the sea shore in multitude, and upon this account much stronger and more formidable, that they had horses and chariots very many, which we do not find the southern kings had; hereby they had a great advantage against Israel, for their army consisted only of foot, and they never brought horses nor chariots into the field. Josephus tells us that the army of the Canaanites consisted of 300,000 foot, 10,000 horses, and 20,000 chariots. Many there be that rise up against God's Israel; doubtless their numbers made them very confident of success, but it proved that so much the greater slaughter was made of them.
II. The encouragement God gave to Joshua to give them the meeting, even upon the ground of their own choosing (Jos 11:6): Be not afraid because of them. Joshua was remarkable for his courage - it was his master grace, and yet it seems he had need to be again and again cautioned not to be afraid. Fresh dangers and difficulties make it necessary to fetch in fresh supports and comforts from the word of God, which we have always nigh unto us, to be made use of in every time of need. Those that have God on their side need not be disturbed at the number and power of their enemies; more are those that are with us than those that are against us; those have the hosts of the Lord that have the Lord of hosts engaged for them. For his encouragement, 1. God assures him of success, and fixes the hour: Tomorrow about this time, when an engagement (it is probable) was expected and designed on both sides, I will deliver them up slain. Though they were to be slain by the sword of Israel, yet it is spoken of as God's work, that he would deliver them up. 2. He appoints him to hough their horses, hamstring them, lame them, and burn their chariots, not only that Israel might not use them hereafter, but that they might not fear them now, their God designing this contempt to be put upon them. Let Israel look upon their chariots but as rotten wood designed for the fire, and their horses of war as disabled things, scarcely good enough for the cart. This encouragement which God here gave to Joshua no doubt he communicated to the people, who perhaps were under some apprehensions of danger from this vast army, notwithstanding the experience they had had of God's power engaged for them. And the wisdom and goodness of God are to be observed, (1.) In infatuating the counsels of the enemy, that all the kings of Canaan, who were not dispersed at such a distance from each other but that they might have got all together in a body, did not at first confederate against Israel, but were divided into the southern and northern combination, and so became the less formidable. And, (2.) In preparing his people to encounter the greater force, by breaking the less. They first engage with five kings together, and now with many more. God proportions our trials to our strength and our strength to our trials.
III. Joshua's march against these confederate forces, Jos 11:7. He came upon them suddenly, and surprised them in their quarters. He made this haste, 1. That he might put them into the greater confusion, by giving them an alarm, when they little thought he was near them. 2. That he might be sure not to come short of the honour God had fixed, to give him the meeting at the enemies' camp, tomorrow about this time. It is fit we should keep time with God.
IV. His success, Jos 11:8. He obtained the honour and advantage of a complete victory; he smote them and chased them, in the several ways they took in their flight; some fled towards Zidon, which lay to the northwest, others towards Mizpeh, eastward, but the parties Joshua sent out pursued them each way. So the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel; they would not deliver themselves into the hands of Israel to be made proselytes and tributaries, and so offered up to God's grace (Rom 15:16), and therefore God delivered them into their hands to be made sacrifices to his justice; for God will be honoured by us or upon us.
V. His obedience to the orders given him, in destroying the horses and chariots (Jos 11:9), which was an instance, 1. Of his subjection to the divine will, as one under authority, that must do as he is bidden. 2. Of his self-denial, and crossing his own genius and inclination in compliance with God's command. 3. Of his confidence in the power of God engaged for Israel, which enabled them to despise the chariots and horses which others trusted in, Psa 20:7; Psa 33:17. 4. Of his care to keep up in the people the like confidence in God, by taking that from them which they would be tempted to trust too much to. This was cutting of a right hand.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON JOSHUA 14.2
Such is the list, therefore, of the entire army of invisible foes who are assembled by King Jabin in order to fight against us who follow Jesus, our leader and Savior. But what does the Lord declare? "Do not shrink back from their appearance," he says "because by tomorrow at this hour, I shall deliver them into your hands." I observe that today we are not able to overwhelm all those powers or to destroy them all, but they will be entirely taken away tomorrow, that is, after the consummation of this age.For, at that time, every opposing power will be pulled down and the inmost part will be conquered when you see that those who are on the left are told, "Go into the eternal fire that God has prepared for the devil and his angels." Then if, following Jesus the leader, we have conquered and have been able to take possession, even we shall occupy the kingdom that the Father has prepared for his saints and for these who "have fulfilled" his commandments and "righteousnes" through our Lord Jesus Christ himself, "to whom is the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen!"
Richard ChallonerAD 1781
Burn their chariots with fire: God so ordained, that his people might not trust in chariots and horses, but in him.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 11:6 presents a crucial divine mandate and promise from the LORD to Joshua, delivered as Israel prepared to face a formidable northern coalition. This verse reassures Joshua against fear, guarantees a decisive victory by the following day, and issues specific, counter-intuitive instructions to hamstring the enemy's horses and burn their chariots. It profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty in warfare, demands Israel's radical obedience, and establishes the theological principle that divine power, not worldly might, is the sole source of true victory.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 11:6 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is Divine Command, delivered directly from the LORD to Joshua, establishing the absolute authority, certainty, and non-negotiable nature of the message. This command is immediately paired with Divine Assurance, explicitly stating "Be not afraid," which serves to bolster Joshua's faith and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds and potential human fear. The subsequent phrase, "I will deliver them up," functions as a clear Divine Promise, guaranteeing victory and emphasizing God's active, primary role as the sole agent of Israel's success, thereby minimizing human agency in the outcome and ensuring all glory redounds to Him. The specific instructions to "hough their horses, and burn their chariots" serve as powerful Symbolism. Horses and chariots represent the pinnacle of worldly military might, human strength, and self-reliance. Their mandated destruction symbolizes Israel's absolute dependence on God's power rather than conventional warfare, and their rejection of the very tools that could lead them to trust in human strength or accumulate worldly power. This act also functions as Foreshadowing of a recurring biblical principle where God often chooses to work through weakness, unconventional means, or seemingly illogical directives to display His glory, ensuring that the victory is undeniably His and that His people learn to walk by faith, not by sight or worldly might.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 11:6 profoundly illustrates God's active, sovereign involvement in the affairs of His people and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises. The command to utterly destroy the enemy's most potent military assets, rather than integrating them into Israel's own forces, serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom and the means by which it advances. It teaches a fundamental truth: true power, security, and lasting victory for God's people do not reside in human strength, military technology, strategic brilliance, or worldly resources, but solely in unwavering trust and absolute obedience to the LORD. This principle ensures that all glory for victory redounds to God alone, preventing Israel from developing a sense of self-sufficiency or pride that could lead to spiritual apostasy and a departure from their unique identity as God's chosen people. It is a foundational lesson in divine providence, the call to radical dependence on the Creator, and the rejection of reliance on the created.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 11:6 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life today. Just as Joshua faced an overwhelming military coalition, we frequently encounter "giants" in our own lives—whether they manifest as daunting personal struggles, seemingly insurmountable professional obstacles, intense spiritual battles against temptation, or systemic injustices that appear too vast to overcome. In these moments, God's timeless message to Joshua echoes with powerful relevance: "Be not afraid." Our confidence should never be placed in our own limited resources, our strategic brilliance, or the conventional "chariots and horses" of our age (e.g., accumulated wealth, influential connections, human wisdom, or self-reliance), but entirely and exclusively in God's unfailing promises and His omnipotent ability to deliver. The radical command to "hough their horses, and burn their chariots" challenges us to prayerfully identify and courageously dismantle those things in our lives that we might be tempted to rely on instead of God. This could mean letting go of control, surrendering our self-sufficiency, forsaking worldly advantages that, while seemingly beneficial, ultimately hinder our complete dependence on Christ, or even relinquishing comfortable idols of security. True victory, spiritual flourishing, and genuine peace come not from accumulating worldly power or striving in our own strength, but from radical obedience and unwavering trust in the LORD, knowing that His ways are always higher and His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God command Joshua to destroy the horses and chariots instead of using them for Israel's own military?
Answer: God commanded the complete destruction of the horses and chariots for several crucial theological and practical reasons, all designed to reinforce Israel's unique identity and mission. The primary reason was to prevent Israel from placing their trust in conventional military might rather than in the LORD. Chariots and horses represented the pinnacle of military technology in that era, and acquiring them could have led Israel to believe their future victories depended on their own strength, advanced armaments, or strategic prowess, rather than on God's divine intervention and covenant faithfulness. This command powerfully reinforced the principle that "it is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). Furthermore, it ensured that Israel remained distinct from the surrounding nations, whose warfare relied heavily on such assets. By destroying them, God was teaching Israel a fundamental lesson in radical obedience and absolute dependence, ensuring that His glory alone would be magnified in their conquests and that they would not be tempted to adopt the ways of the world. This also aligns with the later Mosaic law that kings should not acquire many horses (Deuteronomy 17:16), demonstrating a consistent divine principle for His chosen people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 11:6 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who triumphed over spiritual enemies not by conventional power or worldly might, but through radical obedience, self-sacrifice, and divine authority. The commanded destruction of the enemy's "horses and chariots" in Joshua foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over the powers of sin, death, and the devil, achieved not through military conquest or human strength, but through His seemingly humble crucifixion and glorious resurrection. Just as God sovereignly delivered the Canaanites into Israel's hands, Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" (Colossians 2:15). The "Be not afraid" command to Joshua finds its perfect echo in Christ's constant reassurances to His disciples, "Take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33), and His promise that He would never leave them nor forsake them. The spiritual warfare believers engage in today is not "against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Our victory, like Israel's, comes not from our own strength or worldly armaments, but from the power of God manifested in Christ's finished work on the cross. Ultimately, the image of God's decisive victory over His enemies, culminating in the destruction of their means of power, points forward to the Lamb of God who rides forth to conquer, not on a warhorse of human design, but on a white horse, representing divine purity, righteousness, and ultimate judgment, to establish a kingdom that is not of this world (Revelation 19:11-16).