What does the Bible say about houghing?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible presents houghing horses as a wartime act commanded by God in particular historical circumstances, showing that Israel’s victories were to rest in the Lord rather than in military strength. In Joshua 11:6 and Joshua 11:9, God commands Joshua to hough the captured horses and burn the enemy chariots after defeating the northern kings. This prevented Israel from trusting in cavalry and chariots, instruments of human power, instead of God’s covenant faithfulness. David likewise houghs most of the captured horses in 2 Samuel 8:4 and 1 Chronicles 18:4, keeping only a limited number. These passages are descriptive commands for Israel’s holy wars, not a general rule for ordinary conduct.