Joshua 24:12

Authorized King James Version

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And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.

Original Language Analysis

וָֽאֶשְׁלַ֤ח And I sent H7971
וָֽאֶשְׁלַ֤ח And I sent
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 1 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם before H6440
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 2 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַצִּרְעָ֔ה the hornet H6880
הַצִּרְעָ֔ה the hornet
Strong's: H6880
Word #: 4 of 14
a wasp (as stinging)
וַתְּגָ֤רֶשׁ you which drave them out H1644
וַתְּגָ֤רֶשׁ you which drave them out
Strong's: H1644
Word #: 5 of 14
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
אוֹתָם֙ H853
אוֹתָם֙
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם before H6440
מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 7 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
שְׁנֵ֖י you even the two H8147
שְׁנֵ֖י you even the two
Strong's: H8147
Word #: 8 of 14
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
מַלְכֵ֣י kings H4428
מַלְכֵ֣י kings
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 9 of 14
a king
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֑י of the Amorites H567
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֑י of the Amorites
Strong's: H567
Word #: 10 of 14
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְחַרְבְּךָ֖ but not with thy sword H2719
בְחַרְבְּךָ֖ but not with thy sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 12 of 14
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 13 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְקַשְׁתֶּֽךָ׃ nor with thy bow H7198
בְקַשְׁתֶּֽךָ׃ nor with thy bow
Strong's: H7198
Word #: 14 of 14
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

Analysis & Commentary

I sent the hornet before you (וָאֶשְׁלַח לִפְנֵיכֶם אֶת־הַצִּרְעָה)—the tsir'ah (צִרְעָה, hornet/wasp) has generated much discussion. Some interpret literally (swarms of hornets terrorizing Canaanites), others metaphorically (panic, divine terror, or even Egyptian military campaigns as 'hornets' weakening Canaan). The key is divine causation—'I sent.' This fulfills Moses's prediction: 'The LORD thy God will send the hornet among them' (Deuteronomy 7:20, Exodus 23:28). Whatever its precise nature, God's supernatural intervention preceded Israel's battles.

Which drave them out...even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow (וַתְּגָרֵשׁ אוֹתָם...לֹא בְחַרְבְּךָ וְלֹא בְקַשְׁתֶּךָ)—the verb garash (גָּרַשׁ, to drive out/expel) indicates forcible ejection. The explicit denial 'not with thy sword, nor with thy bow' prevents Israel from attributing victory to military prowess. God alone deserves glory. This principle applies spiritually: salvation comes 'not by works of righteousness which we have done' (Titus 3:5).

Historical Context

The 'two kings of the Amorites' refers to Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, defeated before entering Canaan (Numbers 21:21-35). The 'hornet' may reference Egyptian campaigns (Pharaohs Thutmose III, Amenhotep II, Seti I) that weakened Canaanite cities before Israel's arrival. Amarna letters (14th century BC) reveal Canaanite city-states pleading for Egyptian help against invaders, showing political chaos that facilitated conquest. God orchestrated geopolitical circumstances, supernatural terror, and military victory to accomplish His purposes—Israel merely followed divine preparation.

Questions for Reflection

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