Joshua 12
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1Now these are the kings of the land, whom the children of Israel struck, and possessed their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon, and all the Arabah eastward: 2Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the middle of the valley, and half Gilead, even to the river Jabbok, the border of the children of Ammon; 3and the Arabah to the sea of Chinneroth, eastward, and to the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, eastward, the way to Beth Jeshimoth; and on the south, under the slopes of Pisgah: 4and the border of Og king of Bashan, of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, 5and ruled in Mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon. 6Moses the servant of Yahweh and the children of Israel struck them. Moses the servant of Yahweh gave it for a possession to the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 7These are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the children of Israel struck beyond the Jordan westward, from Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon even to Mount Halak, that goes up to Seir. Joshua gave it to the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions; 8in the hill country, and in the lowland, and in the Arabah, and in the slopes, and in the wilderness, and in the South; the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: 9the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; 10the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; 11the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; 12the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; 13the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; 14the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; 15the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; 16the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; 17the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; 18the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lassharon, one; 19the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; 20the king of Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; 21the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; 22the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; 23the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one; 24the king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty-one.
World English Bible (public domain)
“These are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated and took possession of their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise, from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon, with all the Arabah eastward.”
Joshua 12:1
Summary
Joshua chapter 12 provides a concise account of the conquests that the Israelites undertook under the leadership of Joshua. This chapter lists the defeated kings and the territories gained, showcasing the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites regarding the land of Canaan. It serves as a record of God's faithfulness, emphasizing that He delivered the land into the hands of His people as He had promised to their ancestors. The chapter also highlights the completeness of their victories, signifying that with God, nothing is impossible as long as His people remain obedient and faithful to His commands. The text details specific names and locations of the defeated kings, contrasting the might of these rulers with the power of God. This serves to remind the Israelites of their dependence on God for victory. The chapter acts as a historical marker, providing future generations a reference for the conquests that shaped their identity as a nation set apart by God. Ultimately, Joshua chapter 12 not only recounts the physical conquests but also reinforces the theological theme of divine sovereignty and the importance of obedience. It emphasizes the notion that while the Israelites achieved military success, these victories were ultimately attributed to God's providence and guidance. The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder of the reality of God's presence in their journey as they settle into the promised land.
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