Joshua 12

¹ Now these [are] the kings of the land, which 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:

² Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, [and] ruled from Aroer, which [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, [which is] the border of the children of Ammon;

³ And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:

⁴ And the coast of Og king of Bashan, [which was] of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

⁵ And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.

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.

⁷ And these [are] the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel [for] a possession according to their divisions;

⁸ In the mountains, and in the valleys, and in the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilderness, and in the south country; the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:

⁹ The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which [is] beside Bethel, one;

¹⁰ The king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one;

¹¹ The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;

¹² The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

¹³ The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;

¹⁴ The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;

¹⁵ The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;

¹⁶ The king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one;

¹⁷ The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;

¹⁸ The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;

¹⁹ The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;

²⁰ The king of Shimronmeron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;

²¹ The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;

²² The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;

²³ The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;

²⁴ The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one.

Overview of Joshua Chapter 12

Joshua Chapter 12 serves as a summary of the conquests made by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. It provides a concise record of the kings defeated by the Israelites and the territories they conquered. This chapter emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promise to the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan.

Structure of the Chapter

The chapter can be divided into two main sections:

1. List of Kings Defeated by Moses (Verses 1-6)
2. List of Kings Defeated by Joshua (Verses 7-24)

List of Kings Defeated by Moses (Verses 1-6)

This section recounts the victories achieved by Moses before the Israelites entered Canaan. It highlights the following points:

• Moses defeated two kings: Sihon, the king of the Amorites, and Og, the king of Bashan.
• The territories conquered included the land east of the Jordan River, which was allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
• The description of the land emphasizes its vastness and richness, showcasing God’s provision for His people.

List of Kings Defeated by Joshua (Verses 7-24)

This section details the conquests made by Joshua and the Israelites in the land of Canaan. Key points include:

• The listing of 31 kings defeated by Joshua, illustrating the extensive military campaign undertaken by the Israelites.
• The mention of various cities and regions, which provides insight into the geography and strategic locations within Canaan.
• The emphasis on the totality of the conquest, reinforcing the idea that God was with the Israelites in their endeavors.

Theological Significance

Joshua Chapter 12 underscores several theological themes:

• God’s Faithfulness: The chapter highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites regarding the land.
• Divine Sovereignty: The defeat of the kings signifies God’s sovereignty over nations and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies.
• Historical Record: This chapter serves as a historical record that reinforces the identity of the Israelites as a chosen people with a divinely ordained mission.

Conclusion

Joshua Chapter 12 is a pivotal summary of the victories achieved by the Israelites, both under Moses and Joshua. It encapsulates the fulfillment of God’s promises and serves as a testament to His faithfulness and sovereignty. The detailed accounts of the defeated kings and territories conquered provide a historical context that is essential for understanding the broader narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan.