And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed here is that the "hornets" weren't just literal stinging insects, but a potent symbol of God's overwhelming power. Joshua emphasizes this miraculous intervention to show that their victories were entirely God's doing, not due to their own military strength. This highlights that true security comes from divine favor, not human might.
And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua is addressing all the tribes of Israel, reminding them of God's faithfulness in bringing them out of Egypt and conquering the land. He's recounting God's direct intervention, like sending swarms of hornets (or a great terror) that routed the Amorite kings and their armies, emphasizing that their victories weren't due to their own military might. This comes as part of Joshua's final charge to the people to remain faithful to God after he's laid out their entire history of deliverance and provision.
Joshua reminds Israel of a weapon far more potent than any sword or bow. It wasn't a mighty army, but something smaller, yet incredibly effective.
In this verse, Joshua refers to 'the hornet.' While some debate if this was a literal swarm of insects or a metaphorical representation of paralyzing fear, the impact was the same: utter terror that drove out their enemies.
A Divine Tool
This wasn't a random natural event. Joshua explicitly states, 'I sent the hornet.' God employed this terrifying force to clear the path for His people. It's a vivid reminder that God's power can manifest in ways we don't expect, using even the seemingly insignificant to achieve His grand purposes.
Not by Human Might
The key takeaway is the emphasis: 'it was not by your sword or by your bow.' This wasn't about Israel's military prowess. God wanted them to know that their victories were His doing, designed to humble them and highlight His sovereign power.
Imagine inheriting land you never tilled, cities you never built, and vineyards you never planted. This verse points to a profound truth about God's provision.
Joshua's recounting isn't just about military victories; it's a testament to God's abundant provision and sovereign grace.
A Gift, Not a Reward
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The conquest of Canaan, including driving out the Amorite kings mentioned here, was a gift from God. It was achieved through His power – the 'hornet' and His overwhelming presence – not through Israel's superior skill in warfare. This means the land and the cities were not earned by their efforts but freely given.
Understanding God's Sovereignty
When Joshua stresses that victory came 'not by your sword or by your bow,' he's teaching a crucial lesson: human effort, while important, is secondary to divine power. God orchestrates circumstances, uses unique methods (like the 'hornet'), and ultimately grants the victory. Recognizing this helps us approach life's battles with humility and reliance on Him, rather than pride in our own abilities.
This verse reminds us that even in the midst of human effort and conflict, God is the ultimate agent of victory, often working in ways that transcend human power and strategy.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God powerfully delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event for their national identity and relationship with God.
c. 1406 BC
Defeat of Sihon and Og
The Israelites, upon reaching the borders of Canaan, defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, securing territory east of the Jordan River.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, facing various kings and peoples.
c. 1406 BC
The Lord Sends the 'Hornet'
During the early stages of the conquest, the Lord intervenes supernaturally, sending 'hornets' (a literal insect swarm or a figurative terror) that demoralizes and drives out enemies before the Israelites.
c. 1406-1399 BC
Completion of the Conquest
After years of conflict, the Israelites, with God's decisive help, subdue the promised land and dispossess its inhabitants.
c. 1399 BC
Joshua's Farewell Address
As Joshua nears the end of his life, he gathers Israel to recommit them to the covenant, recounting God's faithfulness and urging them to serve Him alone.
This passage in Exodus is a direct promise from God that He would send hornets before the Israelites to drive out their enemies, which Joshua is recalling as having been fulfilled.
Deuteronomy 7:20Similar to Exodus, this verse reiterates God's promise to send hornets and confusion before Israel, highlighting that it is God's power, not Israel's might, that secures victory.
Psalm 44:3This psalm echoes the sentiment of Joshua 24:12, stating that victory was not achieved by the sword or bow of Israel, but by God's right hand and His arm, underscoring divine intervention.
Isaiah 10:33-34This passage describes God's judgment against Assyria, likening His powerful actions to the felling of trees and the shattering of branches, illustrating how God can bring down mighty foes, much like He used the 'hornet' against the Amorites.
wesleyJoshua 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."
24:12 Sent the hornet - When they were actually engaged in battle with the Canaanites. These dreadful swarms which first appeared in their war with Sihon and Og, tormented them with their stings and terrified them with their noise, so that they became an easy prey to Israel. God had promised to do this for them, Exod 23:27,28, and…
jfbJoshua 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."
- I sent the hornet before you—a particular species of wasp which swarms in warm countries and sometimes assumes the scourging character of a plague; or, as many think, it is a figurative expression for uncontrollable terror (see on [207]Ex 23:28).
What's easily missed here is that the "hornets" weren't just literal stinging insects, but a potent symbol of God's overwhelming power. Joshua emphasizes this miraculous intervention to show that their victories were entirely God's doing, not due to their own military strength. This highlights that true security comes from divine favor, not human might.
Joshua is addressing all the tribes of Israel, reminding them of God's faithfulness in bringing them out of Egypt and conquering the land. He's recounting God's direct intervention, like sending swarms of hornets (or a great terror) that routed the Amorite kings and their armies, emphasizing that their victories weren't due to their own military might. This comes as part of Joshua's final charge to the people to remain faithful to God after he's laid out their entire history of deliverance and provision.
Joshua is addressing all the tribes of Israel, reminding them of God's faithfulness in bringing them out of Egypt and conquering the land. He's recounting God's direct intervention, like sending swarms of hornets (or a great terror) that routed the Amorite kings and their armies, emphasizing that their victories weren't due to their own military might. This comes as part of Joshua's final charge to the people to remain faithful to God after he's laid out their entire history of deliverance and provision.
"And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow." — What's easily missed here is that the "hornets" weren't just literal stinging insects, but a potent symbol of God's overwhelming power. Joshua emphasizes this miraculous intervention to show that the…
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Last reviewed October 2026