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.
God hardened these northern kings to begin the war themselves, so that Israel would be justified beyond exception in destroying them. Sinners bring ruin upon their own heads; the Lord will be vindicated, and they alone shall bear the blame forever.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 11:1-9
And they went out,.... The several kings and people sent to; these went out from the places they inhabited: they and all their hosts with them; the kings of those several places, with their armies: much people, even as the sand that is upon the seashore in multitude; a proverbial expression, to denote an exceeding great number: with horses and chariots very many; being supplied...
they went out, . . . as the sand that is upon the sea-shore in multitude--The chiefs of these several tribes were summoned by Jabin, being all probably tributary to the kingdom of Hazor. Their combined forces, according to JOSEPHUS, amounted to three hundred thousand infantry, ten thousand cavalry, and twenty thousand war chariots.