Hamstrings

O. T. #467  "Hamstrings"
February 25, 2015
Joshua 11
...Though shalt bough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.  Joshua 11:6b

LET IT GLOW

Sometimes athletes pull their hamstring, a muscle in the calf of their leg. It is so painful that the person cannot continue to run, walk, or play ball. Personally, I have not experienced such a thing. Although, this morning, my shower curtain rod fell on my little toe causing me much pain when I walk. I wonder if that is similar.
Joshua was given instructions dealing with the hamstring of horses. Continue to learn what he was to do.

With the southern region conquered, it was time to conquer the northern region. The problem was the word of Joshua's victories reached the northern kings, so they formed an alliance.

Another set of allied armies came against Israel. Josephus, the secular historian, says that the combined force of the Canaanites in this war was 300,000 foot soldiers, 20,000 chariots, and 10,000 cavalry-the armies and horses seemed as vast as the grains of sand...on the seashore (Judges 7:12; 1Sam. 13:5). The use of horses and chariots was a new element in the battle for the land, indicating that Canaan was a formidable foe.  (David Jeremiah)

Despite the odds, God encouraged Joshua again, according to verse 6, as He frequently did.
What was the promise God gave Joshua? Tomorrow about the same time He would deliver them slain to Israel.
Experience told Joshua that God keeps His Word. And that He did again.

Do we often need reassurance from God? I sure do.

LET IT GROW

What was God's plan? How would He bring down such an alliance?

1. Joshua was to hough their horses
2. and burn their chariots.

Hough means to hamstring.
Falwell explains, "A horse is hamstrung when the sinews behind the hoof or hock are severed, thus rendering the horse useless. Given the larger picture of war, this was not a cruel act, but was probably done to prevent the Israelites from amassing a large chariot force from the spoils of war."

Joshua obeyed God's instructions and victory was theirs. In Deuteronomy 17, God gave explicit directions for Israel to not to multiply their horses by capturing the enemies. This was so Israel would not be tempted to return to the ease of Egypt. God would be their only trust.

What happened?

• Joshua captured Hazor and killed him with a sword. (verse 10)
• Since Hazor was the head of all these kingdoms, their leader was gone. (verse 10)
• Everyone in it was put to the sword; Israel totally destroying them and sparing nothing that breathed. (verse 11)
• Hazor was burned up. (verse 11)
• Joshua took all these royal cities and their kings by the sword, including their capital of the confederacy. He burned their cities, taking the spoil and cattle. God's plan worked, of course.

Do we seek God's plan for our life? When we know it, do we follow it to the t?


LET IT GO

Follow God's plan, even when it makes no sense.

Watch God work things out His way.

Praise Him.