Definition and Etymology:
The term "hock" refers to the act of hamstringing, which involves cutting the tendons of the hind legs of an animal, rendering it lame and unable to walk properly. The word "hock" is derived from the Old English "hōc," which is related to the hind joint of a horse or other quadruped.

Biblical References:
The practice of hocking is mentioned in the context of warfare and subjugation in the Old Testament. It was a method used to incapacitate horses, thereby diminishing the military capabilities of an enemy. The most notable reference to hocking in the Bible is found in the book of Joshua:

· Joshua 11:6 : "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 11:9 : "And Joshua did to them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire."

These passages describe God's command to Joshua during the conquest of Canaan. The hocking of horses was a strategic move to ensure that the Israelites would not rely on horses and chariots for their military strength, but rather on the LORD.

Theological Significance:
The act of hocking horses in the biblical narrative underscores a recurring theme in Scripture: reliance on God rather than on human strength or military might. By instructing Joshua to hamstring the horses, God was emphasizing that victory and security come from divine providence, not from the accumulation of military resources. This theme is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Psalm 20:7 : "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern warfare, horses and chariots were symbols of power and technological advancement. They provided a significant advantage in battle, allowing for swift movement and powerful charges against enemy forces. By hocking the horses, the Israelites were effectively neutralizing this advantage, demonstrating their trust in God's promise and provision.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral and ethical standpoint, the practice of hocking raises questions about the treatment of animals in warfare. While the Bible does not explicitly address the ethics of this practice, it is important to consider the broader biblical principles of stewardship and compassion towards God's creation. The act of hocking, as commanded by God in this specific context, served a particular purpose within the divine plan for Israel's conquest and settlement in the Promised Land.

Related Concepts:
· Divine Command: The directive to hock horses was a specific command from God, highlighting the importance of obedience to divine instructions.
· Trust in God: The narrative reinforces the biblical principle of trusting in God's power and provision rather than human strength or resources.
· Warfare in the Bible: The practice of hocking is part of the broader theme of warfare in the Old Testament, where God often intervenes to guide and deliver His people.

In summary, the concept of hocking in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of reliance on God and obedience to His commands, even in the context of military strategy and conquest.1. (n.) A Rhenish wine, of a light yellow color, either sparkling or still. The name is also given indiscriminately to all Rhenish wines.

2. (n.) Alt. of Hough.

3. (v. t.) To disable by cutting the tendons of the hock; to hamstring; to hough.

HOCK

(`aqar, "to root out"): To hamstring, i.e. to render useless by cutting the tendons of the hock (in the King James Version and the English Revised Version "hough"). "In their selfwill they hocked an ox" (Genesis 49:6, the King James Version "digged down a wall"), in their destructiveness maiming those which they could not carry off: See also Joshua 11:6, 9 2 Samuel 8:4.

Explanatory and Biographical
... Mildmay Fane, second Earl of Westmoreland, was friend of Herrick, who dedicated
to him his beautiful Harvest Home picture, The Hock-cart, and begged the Earl ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/explanatory and biographical.htm

part ii
My Life in Christ. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Hock (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Alt. of Hough. 3. (vt) To disable by cutting the tendons of the hock;
to hamstring; to hough. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HOCK. ...
/h/hock.htm - 7k

Hough (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) The popliteal space; the ham. 4. (n.) Same as Hock, a joint. 5. (vt) Same
as Hock, to hamstring. 6. (n.) An adz; a hoe. ... HOUGH. hok. See HOCK. ...
/h/hough.htm - 7k

Curb (5 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) A curbstone. 9. (n.) A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a horse,
just behind the lowest part of the hock joint, generally causing lameness. ...
/c/curb.htm - 9k

Self-will (2 Occurrences)
... self-wil' (ratson; authades): Found once in the Old Testament (Genesis 49:6, "In
their self-will they hocked an ox") in the death song of Jacob (see HOCK). ...
/s/self-will.htm - 8k

Stifle (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The joint next above the hock, and near the flank, in the hind leg of the
horse and allied animals; the joint corresponding to the knee in man ...
/s/stifle.htm - 8k

Selfwill (2 Occurrences)
... self-wil' (ratson; authades): Found once in the Old Testament (Genesis 49:6, "In
their self-will they hocked an ox") in the death song of Jacob (see HOCK). ...
/s/selfwill.htm - 8k

To-morrow (52 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/t/to-morrow.htm - 23k

Hobai'ah (1 Occurrence)
Hobai'ah. Hobaiah, Hobai'ah. Hock . Multi-Version Concordance Hobai'ah (1
Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Hobaiah, Hobai'ah. Hock . Reference Bible.
/h/hobai'ah.htm - 6k

Hocked (4 Occurrences)

/h/hocked.htm - 7k

Ham (16 Occurrences)
... diluvian world. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Home. 2. (n.) The region
back of the knee joint; the popliteal space; the hock. 3. (n ...
/h/ham.htm - 17k

Hock: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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