“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.”
Historical Context: Joshua 24 is part of the final chapter of the Book of Joshua, which describes Joshua’s farewell address to the people of Israel before his death. In this chapter, Joshua gathers the tribes of Israel at Shechem to remind them of God’s faithfulness, exhort them to serve the Lord, and renew their covenant with Him.
God’s Faithfulness: Verse 12 highlights one of the many instances where God displayed His faithfulness to the Israelites. It refers to the conquest of the land of Canaan, specifically the victories over the two Amorite kings. God had promised to give the land to the Israelites, and He used various means to accomplish this, including sending “the hornet” before them. This phrase likely symbolizes God’s divine intervention, causing fear and confusion among their enemies, ultimately leading to their defeat.
God’s Sovereignty and Power: The verse emphasizes that the Israelites did not achieve victory by their own military strength. They did not conquer the land with their swords or bows alone but relied on God’s intervention and power. It is a reminder that true success comes from the Lord and not from human might or strategy. This recognition should lead to humility and reliance on God in all aspects of life.
Trusting God’s Promises: This verse serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of God’s promise to the Israelites. God had pledged to give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance, and He proved faithful in driving out their enemies and securing their possession of the land. The Israelites were called to remember and appreciate God’s faithfulness, which should inspire them to trust Him in the future.
Application to our lives:
Acknowledging God’s faithfulness: Like the Israelites, we should reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout our lives. Recognize the times when He has intervened on our behalf and acknowledge that our victories are not solely a result of our own efforts.
Trusting in God’s power: Just as the Israelites trusted in God’s power rather than their own, we should remember that our strength and success come from Him. Relying on our abilities alone will often lead to disappointment, but placing our trust in God will bring true victory.
Remembering God’s promises: God is faithful to His promises, and He has given us many precious promises in His Word. We should study the Bible and meditate on His promises, reminding ourselves of His faithfulness and allowing those promises to guide our lives.
