King James Version

What Does Joshua 24:12 Mean?

Joshua 24:12 in the King James Version says “And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 24:12 · KJV

Context

10

But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.

11

And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

12

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.

13

And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.

14

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Read Joshua 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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).

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the 'hornet' (whether literal or metaphorical) teach about God preparing circumstances before human action?
  2. How does 'not with thy sword, nor with thy bow' combat human pride after spiritual victories?
  3. In what ways does this principle ('I sent...not with thy sword') apply to evangelism and church growth today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וָֽאֶשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 14

“And I sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם2 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶת3 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַצִּרְעָ֔ה4 of 14

“the hornet”

H6880

a wasp (as stinging)

וַתְּגָ֤רֶשׁ5 of 14

“you which drave them out”

H1644

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

אוֹתָם֙6 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִפְּנֵיכֶ֔ם7 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שְׁנֵ֖י8 of 14

“you even the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מַלְכֵ֣י9 of 14

“kings”

H4428

a king

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֑י10 of 14

“of the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

לֹ֥א11 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בְחַרְבְּךָ֖12 of 14

“but not with thy sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְלֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בְקַשְׁתֶּֽךָ׃14 of 14

“nor with thy bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

Study Guide

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 24:12 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 24:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:28Deuteronomy 7:20Psalms 44:3-6

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