1. Joshua 24:12–13 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is Israel meant to learn from the summary of history?

Joshua 24:12–13 (ESV)

12 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.

With these concluding words, the Lord wants his people to know that if he had not intervened in their history, there would be no Israel to address. Their enemies would have overcome them a long time ago.1 Israel’s presence in the land, having cities and vineyards (a fulfillment of the promise made in Deuteronomy 6:10–11) are all results of grace.2