Joshua 11:6 – “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Joshua 11:6, God speaks directly to Joshua, giving him both reassurance and specific instructions. Despite the intimidating size and strength of the enemy coalition, God tells Joshua not to be afraid. God promises that within a day, He will deliver the entire enemy force into Israel’s hands. Additionally, God instructs Joshua to hamstring the enemy’s horses and burn their chariots, rendering these powerful war tools useless. This command serves a dual purpose: it ensures Israel’s complete victory and prevents them from relying on military technology instead of God. The verse highlights God’s authority over the battle and His direct involvement in ensuring Israel’s success.
Historical Context
During the conquest of Canaan, Israel often faced enemies with superior military equipment, such as horses and chariots, which were considered top-of-the-line warfare technology in the ancient world. Chariots provided a significant advantage in battle, making the enemy appear invincible. The instruction to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots was a strategic move that eliminated these advantages and symbolized Israel’s reliance on God rather than on military strength. This historical context emphasizes the unique way God fought for Israel, setting them apart from other nations that relied heavily on their military prowess.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores a powerful theological truth: God is the ultimate source of victory. By telling Joshua not to be afraid and promising a swift and complete defeat of the enemy, God reminds His people that their success does not come from their strength or strategy but from His power. The command to destroy the horses and chariots further emphasizes that God’s people are to depend on Him alone. This serves as a reminder that faith in God’s promises is essential, even when facing overwhelming odds. God’s presence and His word are the foundation of victory, not human resources or technology.
Literary Analysis
Joshua 11:6 uses direct speech from God to create a moment of divine intervention and assurance. The phrase “Do not be afraid” is a recurring biblical theme, often used when God prepares His people for battle or significant challenges. The specific timeframe—“by this time tomorrow”—adds urgency and certainty to God’s promise, highlighting His control over time and circumstances. The commands to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots are action-oriented, emphasizing the completeness of God’s victory and the rejection of worldly dependence.
Biblical Cross-References
Joshua 11:6 can be compared with other passages where God assures His people of victory. For example, in Deuteronomy 20:1, God tells Israel not to be afraid when they see horses and chariots, reminding them that the Lord is with them. Similarly, in 2 Kings 6:16-17, Elisha reassures his servant not to fear the enemy army because “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” These passages highlight the consistent biblical message that God’s presence is the key to overcoming fear and achieving victory.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 11:6 is a powerful reminder not to be afraid when facing daunting challenges. Just as God reassured Joshua, He reassures believers today that He is in control, no matter how overwhelming the situation may appear. This verse teaches Christians to rely on God’s promises and power rather than their own abilities or resources. It encourages faith in God’s timing and His plans, trusting that He can bring about victory even when the odds seem impossible.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse demonstrates God’s loving care for His people by directly addressing their fears and providing clear guidance. God’s love is shown not only in His promise of victory but also in His personal involvement in the battle. He doesn’t leave His people to figure things out on their own; instead, He speaks to them, reassures them, and leads them through each challenge. God’s command to destroy the horses and chariots reflects His desire to protect His people from becoming dependent on anything other than His love and power.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 11:6 connects to Jesus Christ by illustrating God’s ultimate control over fear and victory, themes central to Jesus’ ministry. Jesus repeatedly told His followers, “Do not be afraid,” (Matthew 14:27, John 14:27), reminding them of His presence and peace. Just as God assured Joshua of victory over his enemies, Jesus assures believers of His victory over sin, death, and every spiritual adversary (John 16:33). Christ’s resurrection is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to defeat all enemies, providing believers with confidence in every battle they face.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does God’s command to Joshua in Joshua 11:6 encourage you when facing fear or uncertainty?
- What can this verse teach us about the importance of relying on God rather than our own resources or strategies?
- How does God’s promise of victory in this verse challenge you to trust His timing and His ways?
- In what ways can you apply the reassurance of “Do not be afraid” to your current life circumstances?