Topical Encyclopedia The term "hamstrung" refers to the act of cutting the hamstring muscles of an animal, typically a horse, rendering it lame and unable to perform its usual functions. This practice is mentioned in the Bible and is often associated with warfare and the subjugation of enemy forces. The act of hamstringing was a strategic measure to incapacitate the enemy's cavalry, thereby reducing their military capabilities.Biblical References 1. Joshua 11:6, 9 : In the conquest of Canaan, God instructed Joshua regarding the horses and chariots of the enemy. "The LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.'" Joshua obeyed this command as a demonstration of reliance on God's power rather than military might. "Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire." 2. 2 Samuel 8:4 : King David, during his military campaigns, also employed this tactic. "David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. And he hamstrung all the chariot horses, but he spared enough of them for a hundred chariots." This action reflects David's strategic acumen and his commitment to ensuring that his enemies could not regroup and pose a future threat. 3. 1 Chronicles 18:4 : This passage parallels the account in 2 Samuel, emphasizing David's military success and his decision to hamstring the horses. "David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. And he hamstrung all the chariot horses, but he spared enough of them for a hundred chariots." Theological Implications The act of hamstringing horses in the biblical narrative underscores a recurring theme: reliance on divine providence over human strength and military resources. By disabling the horses, the Israelites demonstrated their trust in God's promise and power rather than in the conventional military assets of the time. This act served as a tangible reminder that victory comes from the Lord, not from the might of horses or chariots. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern warfare, horses and chariots were symbols of military strength and technological advancement. The ability to field a chariot force was a significant advantage in battle, providing speed, mobility, and a platform for archers. By hamstringing the horses, the Israelites effectively neutralized this advantage, ensuring that their enemies could not quickly recover or retaliate. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a moral perspective, the practice of hamstringing horses raises questions about the treatment of animals in warfare. While the Bible does not explicitly address the ethical implications of this practice, it is clear that the primary focus was on the strategic necessity of disabling enemy forces. The biblical narrative does not dwell on the suffering of the animals but rather on the broader context of divine command and military strategy. In summary, the act of hamstringing in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that involves military strategy, theological trust, and cultural practices of the ancient world. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God for victory and the importance of obedience to divine instructions in the pursuit of their divinely ordained mission. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Hamstring.Strong's Hebrew 6136b. iqqer -- to hamstring... 6136a, 6136b. iqqer. 6137 . to hamstring. Transliteration: iqqer Short Definition: hamstrung. Word Origin denominative verb from ... /hebrew/6136b.htm - 5k Library The Irish Whiteboys Concerning the Passion of Christ, and Its Old Testament ... Who the Instructor Is, and Respecting his Instruction. Under the Ban of Theodosius and of the Latrocinium. Thesaurus Hamstrung (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Hamstrung (4 Occurrences). Genesis 49:6 My soul, don't come into their council. ... In their self-will they hamstrung cattle. (WEB NIV). ... /h/hamstrung.htm - 7k Footmen (13 Occurrences) Hamstring (2 Occurrences) Reserved (28 Occurrences) Chariots (118 Occurrences) Soldiers (83 Occurrences) Horsemen (63 Occurrences) Horses (138 Occurrences) 100 (8 Occurrences) 20000 (4 Occurrences) Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Levi / the Levites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Simeon? | GotQuestions.org Who was Simeon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hamstrung: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hamstrung (4 Occurrences)Genesis 49:6 Joshua 11:9 2 Samuel 8:4 1 Chronicles 18:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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