John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them , etc.] Being encouraged by the Lord, they set out with Joshua at the head of them, to fight the kings and their forces. It is highly probable that these were not the whole body of armed men in the camp of Israel, but a select company Joshua took of them, and who would be able to make quicker marches on this expedition: by the waters of Merom suddenly ; the Targum is, “they lay by the waters of Merom;” as they were thoughtless and careless, and not on their guard, Joshua and his forces came to them suddenly, unawares, and they not provided for them: and they fell upon them ; at once, which threw them into disorder and confusion.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 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 Divin 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 u for use in every time of need. God proportions our trials to ou strength, and our strength to our trials. Joshua's obedience in destroying the horses and chariots, shows his self-denial in complianc with God's command. The possession of things on which the carnal hear 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. (Jos 11:10-14)
Original Hebrew ויבא935 יהושׁע3091 וכל3605 עם5971 המלחמה4421 עמו5973 עליהם5921 על5921 מי4325 מרום4792 פתאם6597 ויפלו׃5307
