“And the Lord said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.”
Context: To fully understand Joshua 11:6, it is important to consider the surrounding verses and the broader context of the chapter. In Joshua 11, we find the account of the conquest of the northern kings in the land of Canaan by the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. God had promised to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites as their inheritance, and this chapter describes the fulfillment of that promise.
God’s Encouragement: In Joshua 11:6, the Lord speaks to Joshua and encourages him not to be afraid of the enemy armies that were about to attack. God assures Joshua that He will deliver the enemies into his hand. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness and His involvement in the battles fought by the Israelites. It also serves as a reminder that Joshua’s confidence should be in God’s power rather than his own.
Trusting God’s Promises: The phrase “Be not afraid because of them” reveals the importance of trusting in God’s promises and having faith in His ability to fulfill them. Joshua was facing formidable enemies, but God reassures him that victory is assured. It serves as a reminder for us today that when we face challenges and opposition, we should put our trust in God’s promises and not be afraid.
Divine Intervention: God not only promises victory but also outlines the specific instructions for Joshua to carry out. The command to “hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire” signifies a strategic act of disabling the enemy’s means of transportation and warfare. This demonstrates God’s involvement in the details of the battle and His desire to ensure complete victory for the Israelites. It also serves as a reminder that God’s ways are often different from human strategies, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding.
Symbolic Meaning: The instructions to disable the horses and burn the chariots can also be seen symbolically. Horses and chariots represented military might and power in that era. By disabling the horses and destroying the chariots, God wanted to teach the Israelites that their victory was not dependent on their own military strength but on their reliance on Him. It reminds us that our ultimate victory in life comes not through our own abilities or resources but through our trust in God and His divine intervention.
In conclusion, Joshua 11:6 teaches us about the importance of trusting God’s promises, not being afraid in the face of challenges, and relying on His divine intervention. It reminds us that God is faithful to fulfill His promises and that our victory is ultimately dependent on Him.
