What does “to hamstring horses” mean? (Joshua 11:6-9)

The phrase “to hamstring horses” in the context of Joshua 11:6-9 means to incapacitate or render the horses useless for battle. In ancient warfare, horses were a crucial component of military strength, offering mobility, speed, and power in battle. When God commanded Joshua to “hamstring their horses,” it was a strategic directive to remove the enemy’s ability to use these animals for warfare, ensuring that the opposing army could no longer rely on them in future battles.

In the passage, we see that Joshua, under God’s command, was instructed not only to defeat the enemies of Israel but also to destroy their military advantages, including their chariots and horses. God specifically ordered that the horses be “hamstrung” (Joshua 11:6, NKJV) and that the chariots be burned. This was not only a tactical move to prevent future threats but also a symbolic act of severing the enemy’s power and resources.

Theological Significance

The act of hamstringing horses goes beyond a military strategy—it carries profound theological meaning. By God commanding the Israelites to destroy the horses, He was teaching them that victory comes not from military might or human strength, but from trusting in God alone. This is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, where God makes it clear that human reliance on physical strength or military might is futile without His intervention.

Psalm 20:7 (NKJV) captures this sentiment:
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

This verse underscores the reality that while others may place their trust in their military power, the Israelites were to place their trust in God. The horses and chariots represented the strength and security of the enemy, but God wanted His people to know that it was not their strength, nor the strength of their enemies, that would bring victory, but His power alone.

In Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV), God reiterates this lesson:
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.

This shows that even in moments of apparent weakness or vulnerability, God’s power is greater than any human military might or strategic advantage. It is through God’s Spirit that the Israelites would be victorious, not through the use of horses or chariots.

Context of the Command

In the broader context, the Israelites were facing massive armies with advanced military resources. The armies they fought were often described as being numerous as the sand on the seashore (Joshua 11:4), and they had advanced weapons and chariots. Despite this, God instructed them to avoid relying on the spoils of war, including these powerful military tools, which could have tempted them to trust in their own strength rather than in God’s provision.

By hamstringing the horses, God was also ensuring that Israel could not fall into the trap of becoming self-reliant or prideful after victory. The message was clear: Victory belongs to the Lord (Psalm 98:1). It was a reminder that their success in battle was solely because of God’s intervention and not the result of their own strategies or weapons.

Application for Today

Theologically, this act speaks to the spiritual principle of humility and dependence on God. Just as the Israelites were not to trust in chariots or horses, we, too, are not to place our trust in our own abilities, wealth, or human strength. The Bible consistently calls believers to depend on God for strength and victory, whether in spiritual battles or in our daily lives.

As Ephesians 6:10-17 (NKJV) explains, Christians are to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the enemy. This armor is not of our own making, but is provided by God to protect and strengthen us for the spiritual battles we face. Like the Israelites, we must remember that the battle is the Lord’s, and our strength comes not from worldly power but from His Spirit.

Conclusion

In summary, “to hamstring the horses” in the context of Joshua 11:6-9 was a command from God to incapacitate the enemy’s military advantage, teaching the Israelites that victory is not found in human strength, but in God’s power. This principle remains relevant for believers today, reminding us that our trust should be placed in God, not in worldly resources or strength. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) says,