Old Testament
Joshua 11:9
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Joshua did to them as the LORD commanded: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.
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And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
What Joshua 11:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua follows God's command by hamstringing the horses of the enemy and burning their chariots. Hamstringing means to cut the tendons of the horses, rendering them unable to be used in battle. This act symbolizes the complete defeat of the enemy and the removal of their military strength. By destroying the chariots, which were significant in warfare, Joshua ensures that the enemies cannot regroup or retaliate. This reflects the seriousness of obeying God's instructions and the importance of eliminating threats to Israel's safety. The actions taken by Joshua demonstrate a commitment to God's will and a strategic approach to warfare, emphasizing that victory comes from following divine guidance rather than relying solely on human strength or resources.
How to apply Joshua 11:9 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands in our lives. Just as Joshua acted decisively against his enemies, we should also take steps to eliminate negative influences or obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth. Trusting in God's guidance leads to true victory.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 11:9 mean?
Joshua 11:9 describes how Joshua obeyed God's command by hamstringing the horses of the enemy and burning their chariots. This act symbolizes the total defeat of the enemy and the removal of their military capabilities, ensuring they could not regroup or retaliate.
What is the significance of hamstringing horses in Joshua 11:9?
Hamstringing horses means cutting their tendons, rendering them unusable in battle. This action signifies a complete victory over the enemy and demonstrates Joshua's commitment to following God's instructions.
Why did Joshua burn the chariots in Joshua 11:9?
Joshua burned the chariots to eliminate the enemy's military strength and prevent them from launching future attacks. Destroying these key resources was a strategic move to ensure Israel's safety.
What lesson can we learn from Joshua 11:9?
Joshua 11:9 teaches the importance of obedience to God's commands and taking decisive action against negative influences. It encourages us to trust in God's guidance for achieving true victory in our lives.
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