5 So all of these kings having agreed to meet , came and encamped together at the waters of Merom , to fight against Israel . 6 Then the Lord said to Joshua , " Do not be afraid because e of them, for tomorrow at this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel ; you shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire ." 7 So Joshua and all the people of war with him came upon them suddenly by the waters of Merom , and attacked them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 11:5-7
Commentary on Joshua 11:1-9
(Read Joshua 11:1-9)
The wonders God wrought for the Israelites were to encourage them to act vigorously themselves. Thus the war against Satan's kingdom, carried on by preaching the gospel, was at first forwarded by miracles; but being fully proved to be of God, we are now left to the Divine grace in the usual course, in the use of the sword of the Spirit. God encouraged Joshua. Fresh dangers and difficulties make it necessary to seek fresh supports from the word of God, which we have nigh unto us for use in every time of need. God proportions our trials to our strength, and our strength to our trials. Joshua's obedience in destroying the horses and chariots, shows his self-denial in compliance with God's command. The possession of things on which the carnal heart is prone to depend, is hurtful to the life of faith, and the walk with God; therefore it is better to be without worldly advantages, than to have the soul endangered by them.