A proverbial expression used to denote a vast but indefinite number (Gen. 22:17; 41:49; Judges 7:12; 1 Sam. 13:5; etc.). Other comparisons used in a similar sense are the stars of heaven (Gen. 15:5) and grasshoppers (Judges 6:5; 7:12) Josephus gives the number as “three hundred thousand armed footmen, and ten thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand chariots” (Antiquities v. 1. 18).

 Literally, “exceedingly many.” The horses were probably brought from the land of Armenia, since Canaan may not have been a country favorable to their breeding or use (1 Kings 10:28, 29). In view of such a formidable army it is no wonder the Lord gave Joshua special encouragement and promises of success.