Joshua 24:12

And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, [even] the two kings of the Amorites; [but] not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.

And I sent {H7971} the hornet {H6880} before {H6440} you, which drave them out {H1644} from before {H6440} you, even the two {H8147} kings {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}; but not with thy sword {H2719}, nor with thy bow {H7198}.

I sent the hornet ahead of you, driving them out from ahead of you, the two kings of the Emori - it wasn't by your sword or your bow.

I sent the hornet ahead of you, and it drove out the two Amorite kings before you, but not by your own sword or bow.

And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.

Commentary

Joshua 24:12 is a powerful declaration from Joshua's final address to the Israelites at Shechem, recounting God's faithful and miraculous leading throughout their history. In this verse, Joshua reminds the people that their victories were not achieved by their own might but by divine intervention.

Context

This verse is part of Joshua's farewell speech in Joshua chapter 24, where he gathers all the tribes of Israel to Shechem. He reviews the entire history of God's dealings with Israel, starting from Abraham, through the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and finally, the conquest of the Promised Land. His purpose is to impress upon the new generation the covenant relationship they have with God and to challenge them to serve the Lord faithfully. The mention of the "hornet" here specifically recalls how God cleared the way for them against powerful enemies like the two kings of the Amorites (Sihon and Og).

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention: The verse powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. He did not merely guide them but actively fought their battles.
  • Supernatural Aid: The "hornet" symbolizes God's unseen, unsettling power that caused panic, confusion, or weakness among the enemy, preparing the way for Israel's conquest. This was a method beyond human warfare.
  • God's Sovereignty: It emphasizes that the success of the conquest was entirely God's doing, not a result of Israel's military strength or superior weaponry. This theme is echoed in other passages, such as Deuteronomy 3:22, reminding them that "the LORD your God is He who fights for you."
  • Fulfillment of Promise: God was fulfilling His ancient promises to give them the land, demonstrating His faithfulness even when Israel was weak.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hornet" is tsirah (Χ¦Χ¨Χ’Χ”). This term is also found in Exodus 23:28 and Deuteronomy 7:20 in similar contexts. While it could refer to a literal swarm of stinging insects, many commentators understand it metaphorically to represent a divine terror, panic, or plague that God sent to dislodge and weaken the inhabitants of Canaan before Israel’s arrival. It signifies a non-military, supernatural means by which God cleared the path for His people, making their victory less about their own "sword" or "bow" and more about His mighty hand.

Practical Application

Joshua 24:12 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  1. Trust in God's Unseen Work: We are reminded that God often works in ways we cannot see or fully comprehend, using unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. When facing overwhelming obstacles, we can trust that God is capable of "sending the hornet" to clear the way.
  2. Reliance on Divine Strength: This verse challenges us to rely on God's power rather than our own limited abilities, resources, or strategies. Our victories, whether personal or corporate, ultimately come from Him.
  3. Humility and Gratitude: It calls us to humility, acknowledging that any success or breakthrough is ultimately God's doing. This cultivates a spirit of gratitude and ensures that all glory is given to Him, just as Israel was to remember God's hand in their conquest and recognize that not one thing failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 7:20 (6 votes)

    Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.

  • Exodus 23:28 (6 votes)

    And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.

  • Psalms 44:3 (3 votes)

    For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

  • Psalms 44:6 (3 votes)

    For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.