King James Version
What Does Joshua 11:9 Mean?
“And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.”
Context
7
So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them.
8
And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining. great Zidon: or, Zidonrabbah Misrephothmaim: or, Salt pits: Heb. Burnings of waters
9
And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
10
And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms.
11
And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire. any: Heb. any breath
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(9) **He houghed their horses.**—In what particular way this was done we are not informed; we cannot, therefore, be certain whether it was done so as to destroy the lives of the horses, or merely to make them useless for purposes of warfare.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Joshua 11:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Joshua 11:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge