Ver. 9. And Joshua—houghed their horses, &c.— That is, he hamstrung, or disabled them by cutting the sinews of the ham: the word is derived from the Saxon [A.S.],* the hough, or lower part of the thigh. See Johnson. God would not have the Israelites preserve these animals, lest they should put their confidence in them, instead of glorifying in Him alone; Psalms 20:7. It was in consequence of this divine injunction, that David, when he had subdued Hadadezer, houghed all the chariot-horses of that prince, reserving one hundred chariots for his own use; 2 Samuel 8:4. The Jewish rabbis say, that at the death of a king of Israel, they houghed all the horses which were found in his stables, to prevent his successor from making use of them. See Schickardi Jus. Regium, cap. 6 theor. 19. & Boch. Hieroz. pars 1: lib. 2 cap. 11.
REFLECTIONS.—1. Alarmed by these increasing successes of Israel, the northern kings of Canaan, with Hazor at their head, and at his instigation, collect their forces; those in the east and west join them, so that the association becomes general, and, with these united forces, they hope to crush these cruel invaders. They become hereby the aggressors; and as they first disturb the peace of Israel's camp, they justly fall under the power of Israel's arm. Note; The strongest confederacy of sinners will only make their ruin more notorious.
2. Joshua hereupon receives encouragement from God. Though a brave man, such an army, and so accoutred, strengthened with horse, and chariots armed with scythes, which mowed down ranks of men before them, might beget some solicitude about the event of the battle. But he is commanded to attack them, and God promises to give them up to the sword, as dead men, unable to make resistance. Note; (1.) Vain are multitudes or strength against God. (2.) The greater dangers surround us, the greater supports from God we may expect.
3. Joshua immediately summons the people; and having acquainted them, no doubt, with God's promise, by a sudden march they surprise their enemies, who are broken on the first attack, and fly different ways; some westward to Zidon, others eastward to Mizpeh, leaving their chariots and horses an easy prey to their pursuers, who hewed the one, and burnt the other with fire, according to the command of God, who would not have them trust in these human supports, but on himself alone, for their success. Note; The more we are taken off from every dependance, and the more entirely our hearts are fixed on God as our strength, the more surely shall we find our spiritual enemies subdued before us.