Joshua 24:12
Joshua 24:12 in Multiple Translations
I sent the hornet ahead of you, and it drove out the two Amorite kings before you, but not by your own sword or bow.
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.
And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.
And I sent the hornet before you, driving out the two kings of the Amorites before you, not with your sword and your bow.
But I handed them over to you to defeat. And I sent the hornet before you to drive out the two kings of the Amorites. You did not win using your swords or your bows!
And I sent hornets before you, which cast them out before you, euen the two kings of the Amorites, and not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.
And I send before you the hornet, and it casteth them out from your presence — two kings of the Amorite — not by thy sword, nor by thy bow.
I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with your sword, nor with your bow.
And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.
And I sent before you hornets: and I drove them out from their places, the two kings of the Amorrhites, not with thy sword nor with thy bow.
I am the one who caused them to panic as you advanced and enabled you to defeat them, as I had enabled you to do earlier to the two kings of the groups who were descendants of Amor. You did not defeat them by using your own bows and arrows and swords; it was I who defeated them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 24:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 24:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֶשְׁלַ֤ח
לִ/פְנֵי/כֶם֙
אֶת
הַ/צִּרְעָ֔ה
וַ/תְּגָ֤רֶשׁ
אוֹתָ/ם֙
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם
שְׁנֵ֖י
מַלְכֵ֣י
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֑י
לֹ֥א
בְ/חַרְבְּ/ךָ֖
וְ/לֹ֥א
בְ/קַשְׁתֶּֽ/ךָ
וָ/אֶשְׁלַ֤ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
לִ/פְנֵי/כֶם֙
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/צִּרְעָ֔ה
tsirʻâh
H6880
hornet
Art | N-fs
וַ/תְּגָ֤רֶשׁ
gârash
H1644
to drive out
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
אוֹתָ/ם֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
שְׁנֵ֖י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֑י
ʼĔmôrîy
H567
Amorite
Art | Ngmsa
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בְ/חַרְבְּ/ךָ֖
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
בְ/קַשְׁתֶּֽ/ךָ
qesheth
H7198
bow
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 24:12
וָ/אֶשְׁלַ֤ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לִ/פְנֵי/כֶם֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/צִּרְעָ֔ה
tsirʻâh
H6880
"hornet"
Art | N-fs
A hornet is a type of wasp that stings. In the Bible, hornets are mentioned in Exodus 23:28 as a way God helps the Israelites conquer their enemies. They are also mentioned in Deuteronomy 7:20.
Definition: hornets
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: hornet. See also: Exodus 23:28; Deuteronomy 7:20; Joshua 24:12.
וַ/תְּגָ֤רֶשׁ
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
אוֹתָ/ם֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִ/פְּנֵי/כֶ֔ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
שְׁנֵ֖י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
מַלְכֵ֣י
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הָ/אֱמֹרִ֑י
ʼĔmôrîy
H567
"Amorite"
Art | Ngmsa
An Amorite is a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 10:16, descended from Canaan. The Israelites displaced them as they entered the Promised Land.
Definition: Someone descended from Amor(?), first mentioned at Gen.10.16; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § Amorite = "a sayer" one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: Amorite. See also: Genesis 10:16; Joshua 9:1; Psalms 135:11.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בְ/חַרְבְּ/ךָ֖
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בְ/קַשְׁתֶּֽ/ךָ
qesheth
H7198
"bow"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
Study Notes — Joshua 24:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 24:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
- Sermons on Joshua 24:12
Context — Joshua Reviews Israel’s History
10but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.
11After this, you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The people of Jericho fought against you, as did the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I delivered them into your hand.
12I sent the hornet ahead of you, and it drove out the two Amorite kings before you, but not by your own sword or bow.
13So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities that you did not build, and now you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’ 14Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 7:20 | Moreover, the LORD your God will send the hornet against them until even the survivors hiding from you have perished. |
| 2 | Exodus 23:28 | I will send the hornet before you to drive the Hivites and Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. |
| 3 | Psalms 44:3–6 | For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them. You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. |
Joshua 24:12 Summary
In Joshua 24:12, we see that God sent a 'hornet' to drive out the enemies of the Israelites, giving them victory without the need for their own military strength. This shows us that God is the one who gives us power and success, and that we should trust in Him rather than our own abilities (as seen in Psalm 20:7). Just as the Israelites did not use their own sword or bow, we too can rely on God's power to overcome the challenges we face. By remembering God's faithfulness and power, we can trust Him more fully and live in obedience to His will (Joshua 24:14).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 'hornet' in Joshua 24:12?
The 'hornet' in Joshua 24:12 is believed to refer to a divine judgment or plague that God sent to drive out the enemies of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 23:28 and Deuteronomy 7:20, where God promises to send hornets to drive out the inhabitants of the land before them.
Why does the verse emphasize that the Israelites did not use their own sword or bow?
The emphasis on not using their own sword or bow highlights God's sovereignty and power in giving the Israelites victory over their enemies, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:17-18, where Moses warns the Israelites not to forget that it is God who gives them the power to produce wealth.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Joshua 24?
This verse is part of Joshua's farewell address, where he reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness and power in giving them the land, and calls them to faithful obedience, as seen in Joshua 24:14, where Joshua urges the people to fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth.
What can we learn from the fact that God drove out the two Amorite kings before the Israelites?
This demonstrates God's power and initiative in fulfilling His promises, as seen in Joshua 21:45, where it is stated that not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed, and in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, which says that He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
Reflection Questions
- How have I experienced God's power and initiative in my own life, and how can I trust Him more fully in the future?
- In what ways am I tempted to rely on my own strength and abilities, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and power?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to remember that God is the one who gives me victory and success, and how can I cultivate a greater sense of dependence on Him?
- How can I, like Joshua, remind others of God's faithfulness and power, and call them to faithful obedience?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:12
And I sent the hornet before you,.... Of which [See comments on Exodus 23:28]; which drave them out from before you, [even] the two kings of the Amorites; who were Sihon and Og, and not only them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:12
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
The hornet; either, 1. Figuratively, i.e. terrors and plagues, or other destroying judgments. Or, 2. Properly so called. See Poole "". And this being done before Joshua’ s entrance into Canaan, it is not strange if it be not mentioned in this book or record of Joshua’ s actions. Not with thy sword, nor with thy bow; for though thou didst fight with them, and prevail against them in battle, yet this was not because thou hadst more force or courage than they; but because by my hornet, which I sent like a harbinger before thee, I had both broken their spirits, and greatly diminished their numbers, and particularly cut off those giants or others who were like to give time most trouble and difficulty; whence it comes to pass that we read of so few giants in that land, which was called the land of giants, .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
Joshua 24:12 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.Ver. 12. And I sent the hornet before you.] Crabrones, sive muscam venenatam: Metaphorice de terrore illis incusso, saith Piscator; It is to be metaphorically taken for stinging terrors, struck into the hearts of these Canaanites. But why not literally rather? But not with thy sword.] But with my hornets.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
(12) The hornet.—There appears no reason for taking this word in any other than a literal sense. The possibility of what is recorded here has been abundantly illustrated by events reported in our own times. The two kings of the Amorites.—Apparently, but not necessarily, Sihon and Og are intended. There were kings of the Amorites on both sides of Jordan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
Verse 12. I sent the hornet before you] See Clarke on Exodus 23:28.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:12
12. And I sent the hornet before you] “Misique ante vos crabrones” Vulg.: “And I sent before çou hors fleeçis,” Wyclif, or “flies with venemouse tongis.” In Exodus 23:28, we find it predicted “And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee;” and in Deuteronomy 7:20, “Moreover the Lord thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.” Elsewhere the bees appear as an image of terrible foes. Comp. Deuteronomy 1:44, “And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.” Psalms 118:12, “They compassed me about like bees” Not only were bees exceedingly numerous in Palestine, but hornets in particular infested some parts of the country. Some would understand the word here in its literal sense, but it more probably expresses under a vivid image the consternation, with which Jehovah would inspire the enemies of the Israelites. Comp. Deuteronomy 2:25; Joshua 2:11. not with thy sword] Compare the same thought in Psalms 44:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 24:12
12. And I sent the hornet before you — The figurative interpretation of the hornet makes it a vivid metaphor for enemies armed with fearful weapons, or for pungent and stinging terrors.
Sermons on Joshua 24:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing the victory of Zion over its oppressors, emphasizing the power of God in saving and freeing the people. The sermon then shifts to |
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God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio |
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Learning God's Word by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the uncertainty of the future and the need for guidance. He highlights the importance of the Word of God as a guide and a source of comfort i |
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Ascribe the Victory to God by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of ascribing victory to God, using the example of the Syrians who recognized the supernatural power behind their defeat at the hands of the |