1. Joshua 23:10 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean for one man to put to flight a thousand?

Joshua 23:10 (ESV)

10 One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the LORD your God who fights for you, just as he promised you.

The Lord is the one who was fighting for Israel (see Deuteronomy 7:1; Deuteronomy 11:23–25; Joshua 1:5, Joshua 1:9; Joshua 8:7; Joshua 10:14, Joshua 10:19, Joshua 10:42) and as a result, even if they might be greatly outnumbered, they will be able to put their enemies to flight. One person chasing a thousand is anticipated in Deuteronomy 32:30 and Leviticus 26:7–8. As long as Israel continues to trust the Lord and obey his commandments, he will drive out their enemies in fulfillment of his promises (see Deuteronomy 9:3–5; Joshua 3:10; Joshua 13:6).1