Joshua 24:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:12 stands as a powerful declaration within Joshua's climactic farewell address, where he vividly recounts God's unwavering faithfulness and miraculous intervention in Israel's history. This verse specifically highlights the divine, unseen assistance God provided to His people, enabling them to conquer the land without relying solely on their own military might. It underscores the profound truth that Israel's victories, particularly against formidable foes like the Amorite kings, were not a result of human strength or weaponry, but solely by the sovereign hand of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Joshua's climactic farewell address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem, as recorded in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell Address and Covenant Renewal"). Following the successful conquest and division of the land, Joshua, now old and near death, gathers the nation to remind them of God's covenant faithfulness from Abraham's call through the Exodus, wilderness wanderings, and the victorious entry into Canaan. His speech is a comprehensive historical review, designed to impress upon the new generation their unique relationship with Yahweh and to challenge them to renew their commitment to serving Him exclusively. Verse 12 specifically serves as a powerful illustration of God's direct, supernatural involvement in the conquest, leading into Joshua's famous exhortation to "choose this day whom you will serve" in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve"). The preceding verses detail God's faithful leading of Israel from beyond the Euphrates, through the wilderness, and into the land of Canaan, setting the stage for this specific example of divine aid.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Shechem, a significant historical and religious site, where Abraham first built an altar in Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham's Altar at Shechem")). Joshua's address occurs at the end of the conquest period, a time when Israel had established a foothold in the land but still faced challenges. The "two kings of the Amorites" refer specifically to Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan, whose defeat east of the Jordan was a crucial early victory for Israel, recounted in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Defeat of Sihon and Og") and [Deuteronomy 3:1-11](/deuteronomy/3-1-11 "Deuteronomy 3:1-11 - Defeat of Og, King of Bashan"). These kings were formidable, representing significant obstacles to Israel's advance. The mention of the "hornet" also echoes earlier promises from God in [Exodus 23:28](/exodus/23-28 "Exodus 23:28 - God Promises to Send the Hornet") and [Deuteronomy 7:20](/deuteronomy/7-20 "Deuteronomy 7:20 - The Hornet Sent Before Israel"), indicating a pre-planned divine strategy for dislodging the Canaanites. This strategy involved causing panic and disarray among the enemy, rather than solely relying on Israel's military engagement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes pervasive throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Divine Intervention** is paramount, illustrating God's active and personal involvement in the affairs of His people, not merely as a distant observer but as a direct participant in their battles. Secondly, the theme of **Supernatural Aid** is highlighted through the "hornet," symbolizing God's unseen, unsettling power that caused panic, confusion, or weakness among the enemy, preparing the way for Israel's conquest. This method transcended conventional warfare, demonstrating God's unique ways of fighting for His people. Thirdly, **God's Sovereignty** is emphasized; the success of the conquest was entirely God's doing, not a result of Israel's military strength or superior weaponry. This theme is foundational, ensuring that all glory belongs to Yahweh, as also proclaimed in [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The LORD Your God Will Fight For You"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Fulfillment of Promise**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises to give the land to Abraham's descendants, even when Israel themselves were weak or disobedient, echoing the divine commitment seen in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hornet (Hebrew, _tsirʻâh'_):** From H6880, צָרַע; a wasp (as stinging); hornet. This term appears three times in the Old Testament, specifically in contexts related to the conquest of Canaan ([Exodus 23:28](/exodus/23-28 "Exodus 23:28 - God's Promise of the Hornet"), [Deuteronomy 7:20](/deuteronomy/7-20 "Deuteronomy 7:20 - The Hornet to Drive Out Enemies"), and here). While it could refer to a literal swarm of stinging insects, the predominant scholarly view understands it metaphorically. It signifies a divine terror, panic, or plague that God sent to dislodge and weaken the inhabitants of Canaan before Israel’s direct military engagement. This supernatural "hornet" caused internal strife, fear, or a debilitating spiritual malaise among the enemies, making them easier to defeat or causing them to flee without direct combat. It underscores God's ability to fight battles through non-conventional, unseen means.
* **drave out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** From H1644, a primitive root; to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce; cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. The verb (גרש) is frequently used in the context of God expelling the Canaanites from the land before Israel ([Exodus 34:11](/exodus/34-11 "Exodus 34:11 - God Will Drive Out the Amorites"), [Numbers 33:52](/numbers/33-52 "Numbers 33:52 - Drive Out All the Inhabitants")). The active voice and divine subject ("I sent... which drave them out") unequivocally attribute the expulsion to God's direct action. This verb highlights the decisive and complete nature of God's intervention, emphasizing that the removal of the Amorite kings was not a partial or temporary measure but a definitive act of divine displacement.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, from חָרָב; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement; axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. This term, paired with "bow," represents the conventional military might and weaponry of human warfare. Its explicit negation in the verse ("not with thy sword") powerfully emphasizes that Israel's victory was not a result of their own martial prowess or superior armaments, but entirely due to God's supernatural intervention. It serves to strip Israel of any self-glory and directs all praise to Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I sent the hornet before you,"**: This clause immediately establishes God as the primary agent ("I sent"). The "hornet" represents a divine, pre-emptive action, a non-military means by which God initiated the process of dislodging Israel's enemies. It implies a strategic, unseen force that weakened or terrified the inhabitants, preparing the way for Israel's advance. This was not a reactive measure but part of God's sovereign plan to fulfill His promises to His people.
* **"which drave them out from before you,"**: This clarifies the purpose and effect of the "hornet." It was an instrument of expulsion, directly responsible for the removal of the enemy. The phrase "from before you" emphasizes that this divine action cleared the path for Israel, making their subsequent military engagements less arduous and more successful than they would have been otherwise. It highlights God's active role in clearing obstacles for His people, demonstrating His commitment to their success.
* **"[even] the two kings of the Amorites;":** This specifies the targets of God's "hornet" and expulsion. The Amorites, particularly their kings Sihon and Og, represented significant and powerful opposition, formidable obstacles to Israel's advance into the promised land. By naming them, Joshua reminds Israel of the specific, formidable enemies God had already defeated on their behalf, further solidifying the evidence of divine intervention and God's power to overcome even the strongest adversaries.
* **"[but] not with thy sword, nor with thy bow."**: This concluding phrase is a powerful disclaimer and emphasis. It explicitly negates human agency as the primary cause of victory. The "sword" and "bow" represent conventional military might and human effort. By stating that the victory was achieved "not with thy sword, nor with thy bow," Joshua unequivocally attributes the success to God alone, stripping Israel of any grounds for boasting in their own strength and reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty. This ensures that all glory for the conquest belongs solely to Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is prominently used with the "hornet," which, as discussed, is widely understood not as a literal insect but as a symbolic representation of divine terror, confusion, or a supernatural plague that precedes and facilitates Israel's victories. This metaphor highlights God's ability to work in unseen, unsettling ways to achieve His purposes. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting God's supernatural power against Israel's limited human capabilities ("not with thy sword, nor with thy bow"). This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the true source of strength and victory, underscoring that human effort alone was insufficient. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** through negation, where the explicit denial of human military means ("not with thy sword, nor with thy bow") serves to underscore the absolute divine agency in the conquest. This rhetorical strategy ensures that the audience fully grasps that the glory for their success belongs entirely to God, reinforcing the central theological message of divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:12 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and the nature of God's warfare on behalf of His people. It teaches that God is not merely a helper in battle but the primary warrior, capable of disarming and dislodging enemies through means entirely beyond human comprehension or capability. This truth cultivates humility in the people of God, reminding them that their successes are ultimately gifts of grace, not achievements of their own strength. It reinforces the covenantal faithfulness of Yahweh, who actively intervenes to fulfill His promises, even when the odds seem insurmountable from a human perspective. The "hornet" serves as a powerful symbol of God's unseen, unsettling power that prepares the way for His people, ensuring His glory is magnified and His covenant promises are fulfilled.

* [Exodus 23:28](/exodus/23-28 "Exodus 23:28 - God's Promise to Send the Hornet")
* [Deuteronomy 7:20](/deuteronomy/7-20 "Deuteronomy 7:20 - The Hornet Sent Before Israel")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:12 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It calls us to a radical trust in God's unseen work, reminding us that He often operates in ways we cannot perceive or fully comprehend, using unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. When facing overwhelming obstacles—whether personal struggles, spiritual battles, or seemingly insurmountable challenges—this verse encourages us to remember that God is capable of "sending the hornet" to clear the way. It challenges us to shift our reliance from our own limited abilities, resources, or strategies to the boundless power of God. Our true victories, whether in spiritual warfare, overcoming sin, or navigating life's difficulties, ultimately come from Him. This truth fosters humility, prompting us to acknowledge that any success or breakthrough is ultimately God's doing, and it cultivates a spirit of profound gratitude, ensuring 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](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not One Promise Failed"). This perspective liberates us from the burden of self-reliance and invites us into a deeper experience of God's sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your "sword" or "bow" (your own strength or resources) rather than God's unseen intervention?**
* **How does the concept of God "sending the hornet" encourage you when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **What specific "victories" in your life can you attribute solely to God's unseen hand, rather than your own efforts?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness, as Joshua reminded Israel, strengthen your trust in His future provision and protection?**

### FAQ
**What is the "hornet" mentioned in Joshua 24:12? Does this mean God literally sent insects?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word _tsirʻâh_ (צרעה) literally means "hornet," most biblical scholars interpret its use in Joshua 24:12 (and its parallel passages in [Exodus 23:28](/exodus/23-28 "Exodus 23:28 - God Promises the Hornet") and [Deuteronomy 7:20](/deuteronomy/7-20 "Deuteronomy 7:20 - The Hornet to Drive Out Enemies")) metaphorically. It is understood to represent a divine terror, panic, confusion, or a debilitating spiritual malaise that God sent among the Canaanite inhabitants, including the Amorite kings, before Israel's arrival or direct military engagement. This supernatural "hornet" would have caused internal strife, fear, or weakness, making the enemies easier to dislodge or causing them to flee without direct combat. The emphasis is on God's non-military, supernatural means of clearing the way for His people, demonstrating His power beyond conventional warfare and ensuring that the victory was clearly His.

**What does it mean "not with thy sword, nor with thy bow"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful statement emphasizing that Israel's victories, particularly against the formidable Amorite kings, were not achieved through their own military might, superior weaponry, or strategic prowess. The "sword" and "bow" symbolize the conventional tools of warfare and human strength. By explicitly stating that the conquest was "not with thy sword, nor with thy bow," Joshua unequivocally attributes the success to God alone. It serves to humble Israel, preventing them from boasting in their own strength, and reinforces the theological truth that their deliverance and possession of the land were entirely a result of divine intervention and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It highlights God's sovereignty as the true warrior for His people, demonstrating that His power transcends and supersedes human capabilities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:12, with its emphasis on God's unseen, pre-emptive work and the victory achieved "not with thy sword, nor with thy bow," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Just as God sent the "hornet" to clear the way for Israel, so too did God send His Son, Jesus Christ, to achieve the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, not through human might but through divine power and self-sacrifice. Christ's victory on the cross was the ultimate "hornet" that disarmed the spiritual enemies ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Powers")), driving them out from their dominion over humanity and establishing His kingdom. We, as believers, are called to participate in this victory not by our own strength but by relying on the finished work of Christ ([Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10-17 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Armor of God")). Our spiritual battles are won "not with thy sword, nor with thy bow," but through faith in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and by the power of the Holy Spirit, as declared by the prophet, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts" ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")). Jesus, the greater Joshua, leads His people into a spiritual inheritance, having already secured the decisive victory over all opposing forces, ensuring that our ultimate triumph is entirely His doing, bringing glory to God alone.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 7:20

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

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

Psalms 44:3

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

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