Joshua faithfully followed the Lord’s command by eliminating any potential source of self-reliance and reaffirming that deliverance comes from God.
“Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.” (v.9) In this passage, Joshua follows the explicit command given by God to cripple the horses and destroy the chariots of the enemy forces. These actions are practical measures meant to weaken the military capacity of the opposing kings, who had arrayed themselves in the northern region of Canaan. By doing this, Joshua ensured that the Israelites would not be tempted to rely on advanced military technology or captured war equipment for their security, but instead trust the Lord’s guidance and strength. This display of obedience underscores a key biblical principle: the people of God are called to depend on Him rather than on human power or might (Zechariah 4:6).
When we consider the larger context of Joshua’s leadership, it is historically placed around 1406-1399 BC. He led the Israelites after the death of Moses, guiding them in the conquest of Canaan. The geographic location here is likely near the Waters of Merom, situated in the northern part of the land. This northern theater of conflict was significant because it gathered a large coalition of city-states against Israel, fearing the nation’s advance. By God’s instruction, Joshua neutralized the enemy’s most potent military assets—horses and chariots—reflecting not only a strategic move but also a spiritual principle: victory ultimately comes from the Lord (Psalm 20:7).
Joshua’s actions also pointed forward to the deeper truths displayed in the New Testament. Just as Israel was to rely completely on God’s promises and sovereign power, so are believers called to rest in Christ’s finished work rather than trust in earthly means (John 15:5). Joshua’s trust-filled obedience reveals a heart that takes God at His word, a faith that provides a model for believers across every generation. By crippling the horses and burning the chariots, he demonstrated that the Lord’s people flourish when reliant on Him alone.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 11:9 meaning
“Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.” (v.9) In this passage, Joshua follows the explicit command given by God to cripple the horses and destroy the chariots of the enemy forces. These actions are practical measures meant to weaken the military capacity of the opposing kings, who had arrayed themselves in the northern region of Canaan. By doing this, Joshua ensured that the Israelites would not be tempted to rely on advanced military technology or captured war equipment for their security, but instead trust the Lord’s guidance and strength. This display of obedience underscores a key biblical principle: the people of God are called to depend on Him rather than on human power or might (Zechariah 4:6).
When we consider the larger context of Joshua’s leadership, it is historically placed around 1406-1399 BC. He led the Israelites after the death of Moses, guiding them in the conquest of Canaan. The geographic location here is likely near the Waters of Merom, situated in the northern part of the land. This northern theater of conflict was significant because it gathered a large coalition of city-states against Israel, fearing the nation’s advance. By God’s instruction, Joshua neutralized the enemy’s most potent military assets—horses and chariots—reflecting not only a strategic move but also a spiritual principle: victory ultimately comes from the Lord (Psalm 20:7).
Joshua’s actions also pointed forward to the deeper truths displayed in the New Testament. Just as Israel was to rely completely on God’s promises and sovereign power, so are believers called to rest in Christ’s finished work rather than trust in earthly means (John 15:5). Joshua’s trust-filled obedience reveals a heart that takes God at His word, a faith that provides a model for believers across every generation. By crippling the horses and burning the chariots, he demonstrated that the Lord’s people flourish when reliant on Him alone.