Joshua 24:12 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God sent the hornet ahead of Israel to drive out their enemies, not by Israel's own sword or bow.
What Does Joshua 24:12 Mean?
God names an unexpected weapon: the hornet, sent ahead to drive the enemy out. He stresses the point plainly, that this was done not with Israel's sword or bow. The clearing of the land was his work through means they did not control.
The Lord delights to win battles in ways that leave no room for boasting. By sending what Israel could not command, he showed that the land was a gift, not a conquest earned. We are kept humble by remembering that our victories owe more to God's unseen hand than to our own strength.
Joshua 24:12 in the Original Language
tsirah (צִרְעָה), 'hornet' -- a stinging force sent ahead of Israel, understood as God's own means of driving out the nations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 24:12
What does Joshua 24:12 mean?
God sent the hornet ahead of Israel to drive out their enemies, not by Israel's own sword or bow.