Joshua 11:6
And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hock their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
Joshua 11:6 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the LORD is speaking to Joshua and reassuring him not to be afraid of the enemy, for God will deliver them into the hands of the Israelites and grant them victory. The Lord promises Joshua that by the next day, the enemies will be defeated, and all of them will be slain before the people of Israel. This display of divine intervention and power serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to protect and guide his people. The instruction to "hock their horses, and burn their chariots with fire" signifies the complete destruction of the enemy's resources, ensuring that they will not be able to regroup and pose a threat in the future. This passage demonstrates the importance of trusting in God's promises and following His commands, as He is the ultimate source of strength and victory.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Joshua, the theological interpretation revolves around the theme of God's faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises. God reassures Joshua not to be afraid of their enemies, as He will deliver them into the hands of the Israelites. The word "slain" signifies the complete victory that God will give to His people, showing His might and sovereignty over the nations. The mention of hocking their horses and burning their chariots reveals the destruction of the enemy's means of warfare, emphasizing that God's victory is total and decisive. Through this verse, believers can draw encouragement and trust in God's ability to overcome any obstacle or enemy they may face, knowing that He is always faithful to His promises and capable of delivering them from any situation.
Joshua 11:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them; for to-morrow at this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hock their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.
World English Bible
Yahweh said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid because of them; for tomorrow at this time, I will deliver them up all slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.”
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord said to Joshua: Fear them not: for to morrow at this same hour I will deliver all these to be slain in the sight of Israel: thou shalt hamstring their horses, and thou shalt burn their chariots with fire.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the Lord sayd vnto Ioshua, Be not afrayd for them: for to morowe about this time will I deliuer them all slaine before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burne their charets with fire.