Matthew Henry Commentary Joshua 11:1-9

"And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor heard thereof, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, and to the kings that were on the north, in the hill-country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in the heights of Dor on the west, to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the hill-country, and the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpah. And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea-shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. And all these kings met together; and they came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel. And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them; for to-morrow at this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hock their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly, and fell upon them. And Jehovah delivered them into the hand of Israel, and they smote them, and chased them unto great Sidon, and unto Misrephoth-maim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining. And Joshua did unto them as Jehovah bade him: he hocked their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire." — Joshua 11:1-9 (ASV)

The wonders God performed for the Israelites were intended to encourage them to act vigorously themselves. Similarly, the war against Satan's kingdom, waged by preaching the gospel, was initially advanced by miracles. However, once this work was fully proven to be from God, we were then left to rely on divine grace in the ordinary course of things, using the sword of the Spirit.

God encouraged Joshua. Fresh dangers and difficulties make it necessary to seek fresh support from the word of God, which we have near to 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 demonstrates his self-denial in compliance with God's command. The possession of things on which the carnal heart is prone to depend is detrimental 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. (Joshua 11:10–14)