“And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire at the waters of Merom.”
This verse is part of the account of the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. Let’s examine the verse and its context to gain a deeper understanding.
Historical Context: In the book of Joshua, the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River and were engaging in battles against the Canaanite nations occupying the land that God had promised to give them. The verse in question takes place during one of these battles.
Joshua’s Obedience: The verse begins by stating that Joshua acted according to the command of the Lord. This emphasizes Joshua’s obedience to God’s instructions. Throughout the book of Joshua, we see Joshua’s faithfulness in following God’s guidance, which played a significant role in the Israelites’ victories.
Houghing the Horses: The term “houghed” refers to the disabling of the horses by cutting the sinews of their hind legs. This action rendered the horses useless for battle. By houghing the horses, Joshua ensured that the Canaanites could not use them against the Israelites or regain their military strength easily. This strategic move demonstrated the thoroughness and effectiveness of Joshua’s military tactics.
Burning the Chariots: Joshua also ordered the burning of the Canaanites’ chariots. Chariots were a significant military advantage during that time, and burning them was a deliberate act to remove the Canaanites’ superior firepower. Destroying the chariots further weakened the enemy’s ability to fight against the Israelites.
The Waters of Merom: The verse mentions that these actions took place “at the waters of Merom.” Merom refers to the Lake Huleh region, a swampy area located in northern Israel. It was near this body of water that Joshua executed God’s commands regarding the Canaanite horses and chariots.
Spiritual Significance: While this verse primarily describes a military event, it also carries spiritual significance. Joshua’s obedience to God’s instructions highlights the importance of following God’s guidance in all aspects of life. It serves as a reminder that true success and victory come when we align our actions with God’s will.
Overall, Joshua 11:9 illustrates Joshua’s faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands during the conquest of the Promised Land. It demonstrates the meticulousness of Joshua’s military strategy, as well as the divine guidance that led to the Israelites’ victory.
Note: It is important to approach the study of the Bible with reverence and seek additional scholarly resources or consult with spiritual leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the text.
