What is the meaning of Joshua 11:9?

Joshua treated them

– Joshua’s response is immediate and decisive, mirroring earlier victories (Joshua 10:40).

– His actions flow from clear leadership: the people see obedience modeled and follow suit (Judges 2:7).

– As with Moses raising the staff over Amalek (Exodus 17:9-13), victory is inseparable from doing exactly what God says.

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as the LORD had told him

– God had given a specific command before the battle began (Joshua 11:6).

– This echoes Moses’ charge to wipe out Canaanite military power (Deuteronomy 7:2-5).

– Joshua’s strict obedience confirms that divine instruction—not military improvisation—guides Israel’s wars (Numbers 27:21).

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he hamstrung their horses

– Hamstringing permanently disabled the animals for warfare without destroying them outright (2 Samuel 8:4).

– The act prevents Israel from trusting in cavalry, a forbidden source of national pride (Deuteronomy 17:16; Psalm 20:7).

– It removes the temptation to adopt Canaanite military methods, keeping Israel distinct (Isaiah 31:1).

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and burned up their chariots

– Chariots were the advanced weaponry of the day; burning them erased the enemy’s tactical edge (Exodus 14:24-28; Judges 4:13-15).

– The destruction signals complete victory; none of the old power structures remain to threaten Israel (Joshua 11:12).

– By eliminating—not hoarding—enemy technology, Joshua reinforces the lesson that salvation comes from the LORD, not hardware (1 Samuel 17:45).

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summary

Joshua 11:9 showcases wholehearted obedience. Every step—from disabling horses to torching chariots—demonstrates trust in God’s word, refusal to rely on human strength, and commitment to keep Israel wholly devoted to the LORD.