Joshua 11 (2)

But the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” So Joshua and all the people of war with him came against them suddenly by the waters of Merom, and they attacked them. And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who defeated them and chased them to Greater Sidon, to the Brook Misrephoth, and to the Valley of Mizpah eastward; they attacked them until they left none of them remaining. So Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire. Joshua 11.6-9

Reflect.
1.  Why do you think God instructed Joshua to hamstring the horses and destroy the chariots?

2.  We note again the swiftness with which Joshua and Israel obeyed the Lord. How does this counsel us?

Think about it.
The combined forces of the northern kingdoms of Canaan are camped by the waters of Merom, just north of the Sea of Galilee. They were no doubt getting acquainted, assessing their strengths, drawing up plans, and jockeying for the best position in a presumed march south against Israel at Gilgal.

They prove the adage, “He who hesitates is lost.”

Joshua certainly did not hesitate. After a night of rest and getting organized, Israel marched north and surprised the Canaanite coalition in their camp, routing them in various directions, and hunting down every last remnant of the combined armies (v. 8). They hamstrung the horses because Israel had no need for them, and God did not want them to become dependent on horses or other sophisticated technology in their conquest of the land. Thus, Joshua also burned the Canaanite chariots. It is significant that Joshua did not dispute with God about the destruction of these military assets. He simply obeyed what God commanded, because he trusted in the Lord and His wisdom and strength.

We note that Israel frequently depended on surprise to catch their enemies off guard and send them into flight before they could organize a proper defense. The grace of Jesus often caught people off guard. They marveled at His good works and true words, and were taken captive by His vision and calling. When we are filled with Jesus and His grace, obeying God in all our ways, the grace that flows through us can often surprise people and help to open them to the Gospel. This is the testimony of C. S. Lewis, an avowed atheist who was Surprised by Joy as he came to understand the grace of the Lord.

Whom will you surprise with the grace of Jesus today?

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Why was surprise so important to Israel’s tactics against the nations of Canaan? How did surprise help them? Does it surprise people today when we treat or respond to them with grace, rather than with indifference, smugness, or worse? Explain.

2.  Joshua and the people of Israel obeyed God without hesitation, without dithering, and without doubt. What can we learn from them about following our Lord Jesus Christ? 

3.  God wanted to keep His people dependent on Him throughout the conquest of the land. Why? How is that evident in chapter 11?

“The horses and the chariots that are removed seem to hold the figure of those who, although placed in the heavens, fell away through wantonness and pride, either when they set themselves aflame to desire the daughters of humankind or when they followed him who said, ‘I shall place my seat above the clouds and I shall be like the Most High.’ Perhaps it is for that reason that the prophet also says, ‘False is the horse for salvation.’ And again, concerning those who trust in demons, he says, ‘These call on chariots and those on horses, but we shall call upon the name of our God.’” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

Lord, You have provided many excellent tools and technologies for my help, but I trust in You alone for…

Pray Psalm 33.13-22.
Thank God for the many tools and technologies He provides, but call upon Him for grace and mercy to help in all your times of need today.

Psalm 33.13-22 (Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
God from His throne looks down on men; 
He knows our works and made our hearts.
Let not Your Church, let none depend 
on strength or skill or human arts.

God watches those who fear His Name, 
who hope upon His grace and love; 
He keeps their souls from death and shame
who trust in Him Who reigns above.

God is our Helper and our Shield; 
upon us let Your grace descend!
We hope in You; to You we yield; 
we trust in Jesus to the end.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).