Joshua 11:9
And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֑ה
unto them as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
unto them as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עִקֵּ֔ר
him he houghed
H6131
עִקֵּ֔ר
him he houghed
Strong's:
H6131
Word #:
10 of 14
to pluck up (especially by the roots); specifically, to hamstring; figuratively, to exterminate
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Hamstringing captured horses was extremely rare in ancient warfare—enemy chariots were highly prized spoils. A single chariot represented months of a craftsman's wages; a trained war horse, even more. Joshua's obedience demonstrated that covenant faithfulness trumped military pragmatism. This decision shaped Israel's military culture for centuries, distinguishing them from chariot-based empires.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'chariots'—symbols of worldly power and security—is God calling you to destroy?
- How does obedient sacrifice of valuable resources demonstrate faith in God's provision?
- When has trusting in human methods compromised your dependence on God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire—The verb houghed (עִקֵּר, iqqer, hamstrung) means cutting the leg tendons, permanently disabling war horses. This radical act of faith destroyed valuable military assets worth a fortune, obeying God's command against trusting in horses (Deuteronomy 17:16).
Burning the chariots (רֶכֶב, rekhev) eliminated the temptation to adopt Canaanite military methods. God required total dependence on Him, not human weaponry. This obedience cost Israel strategic military advantage but gained spiritual purity. As Zechariah later prophesied: 'I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem... and he shall speak peace unto the heathen' (Zechariah 9:10). True victory comes through dependence on God, not superior armaments.