BIBLE LIBRARY777: Joshua 12

Introduction toJoshua 12

Joshua 12 serves as a summary of the military conquests of the Israelites under Moses and Joshua. The chapter is divided into two major sections:

Verses 1–6: The kings defeated by Moses on the east side of the Jordan.
Verses 7–24: The kings defeated by Joshua on the west side of the Jordan.

This chapter acts as a transition, concluding the warfare narratives and setting the stage for the division of the conquered land among the tribes of Israel.

1. The Kings Defeated by Moses (Joshua 12:1–6)

Verse 1:
"Now these are the kings of the land, whom the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east:"

This verse introduces the list of kings whom Moses defeated before Israel crossed the Jordan River.
The phrase "on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun" refers to the eastern side of the Jordan River.
The River Arnon (modern Wadi Mujib) was a boundary of Moab, marking the southern extent of Israel’s conquest.
Mount Hermon (modern-day Jebel el-Sheikh) in Lebanon was the northern limit.
"All the plain" refers to the plateau of Moab and Gilead.

The Two Kings Defeated by Moses

Verses 2–3:

Sihon, King of the Amorites
- Sihon ruled from Heshbon.
- His territory stretched from Aroer on the Arnon River to the Jabbok River, the boundary of the Ammonites.
- It included half of Gilead and extended eastward to the Jordan River.

Verses 4–5:

Og, King of Bashan (One of the last Rephaim)
- Og ruled in Ashtaroth and Edrei.
- His land included Mount Hermon, Salcah, and all of Bashan up to the borders of the Geshurites and Maachathites.
- Og was notable as the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants.

Verse 6:
"Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh."

This verse confirms that these lands were allotted to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

2. The Kings Defeated by Joshua (Joshua 12:7–24)

Joshua's victories are recorded as a list of 31 kings whom he defeated on the west side of the Jordan.

Overview of the Conquests

Verse 7:
"And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west..."

The land is divided among Israel’s tribes.

Verses 8–24:

Verse 8 lists the geographic regions conquered:
1. The mountains – The central hill country.
2. The valleys – Lowland areas.
3. The plains – Coastal plains.
4. The springs – Water sources and fertile lands.
5. The wilderness – Arid and desert areas.
6. The south country (Negev) – Southern Israel.

List of the 31 Kings

Jericho – The first conquest after crossing the Jordan (Joshua 6).
Ai – Defeated after an initial setback (Joshua 8).
Jerusalem – Defeated in the battle of Gibeon (Joshua 10).
Hebron – Previously home to the Anakim giants.
Jarmuth – Part of the five-king coalition.
Lachish – A strong Canaanite city.
Eglon – Another coalition city.
Gezer – A significant city on the coastal plain.
Debir – A city of importance in southern Canaan.
Geder – Not much is known.
Hormah – The site of a previous Israelite defeat (Numbers 14:45).
Arad – Located in the Negev region.
Libnah – A fortified city.
Adullam – Later associated with David.
Makkedah – The place where Joshua executed five Canaanite kings.
Bethel – A historical religious site.
Tappuah – A city near Shechem.
Hepher – Unknown location.
Aphek – A site of future battles with the Philistines.
Lasharon – Unclear location.
Madon – Part of the northern coalition.
Hazor – The capital of Jabin, the leading northern king.
Shimron-meron – Another northern kingdom.
Achshaph – A city in the north.
Taanach – Later given to the tribe of Manasseh.
Megiddo – Later the site of many battles.
Kedesh – A Levitical city.
Jokneam – Located near Mount Carmel.
Dor – A coastal city.
Goiim in Gilgal – A debated location.
Tirzah – Later a royal city of Israel.

Theological and Historical Significance of Joshua 12

1. The Fulfillment of God's Promise

The conquest fulfilled God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21).
It demonstrated God’s faithfulness in giving Israel the land.

2. The Theme of Total Victory

The list emphasizes Israel’s complete conquest.
Despite individual setbacks, Israel’s overall campaign was divinely successful.

3. The Judgment of the Canaanites

The destruction of these kingdoms was an act of divine judgment due to their extreme wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5).

4. The Transition to Inheritance

With the conquest complete, Joshua 13 begins the division of the land among the tribes.

Conclusion

Joshua 12 is a historical record of Israel’s military victories, detailing the kings and territories conquered. It serves as a testimony to God’s faithfulness, Israel’s obedience, and the fulfillment of divine promises. This chapter sets the stage for the land distribution that follows in the subsequent chapters of Joshua.

BIBLE LIBRARY777

Friday, March 28, 2025

Joshua 12