Joshua 11:1-9 – Some trust in chariots and horses, but …

Now the action moves to the north of the Promised Land. A group of northern rulers unite in a coalition to try to stop Israel. Verses 1-5 detail the precise kings, locations and ethnic groups opposing Israel. The names and specifics might seem confusing to us, but the purpose is for us to feel how overwhelming the enemy is. As we read line after line, we are to sense the almost hopeless situation Israel faces. The massive resources of the enemies of God are further spelled out in terms of their numerical and technological advantage (v4).

Verses 6 and 7 illustrate the balance between God’s sovereign control and our responsibility. Joshua firmly believed God’s promise that He’d give their enemies over to them (v6). So he and his warriors went on the attack (v7)! He believed God, so he did something about it! Time and time again in the Bible, true faith results in action. Joshua was so full of faith in God’s promise that he rushed the imposing enemy camp!

Verses 6 and 9 teach an important lesson. The enemies’ chariots were burned and their horses were hamstrung (that is, the large tendon at the back of the legs was cut – leaving them of no military use). This isn’t because the Israelites wouldn’t have known how to use them. God was teaching them not to depend on any such mode of strength or assistance, but to rely on Him alone. Psalm 20:7 says: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God”. By destroying these methods of normal human security, God was teaching them to look to the only One who could keep them (Ps. 121). Human machinery or methods are no substitute for God’s help. Sometimes God has to deny us some of our favourite ‘props’ to remind us of that.