Joshua 12 serves as a vital summary and detailed record of the successful military campaigns led by Moses and Joshua, listing all the kings and territories conquered as the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land. It stands as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.
This chapter provides a complete list of 31 kings conquered, highlighting a significant portion of the record of the battles Joshua waged against the Canaanites. It distinctly divides these conquests into two main sections: those achieved by Moses east of the Jordan River and those achieved by Joshua west of the Jordan.
Kings Conquered East of the Jordan (by Moses)
The initial verses of Joshua 12 recount the victories achieved by Moses before his death, specifically against two powerful Amorite kings. These conquests laid the groundwork for Israel's entry into Canaan and secured territory for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
- Sihon, King of the Amorites: Ruled from Heshbon, his territory extended from Aroer along the Arnon Gorge to the Jabbok River, encompassing half of Gilead. This conquest is specifically credited to Moses in Joshua 12:6.
- Og, King of Bashan: Ruled from Ashtaroth and Edrei, his territory covered the rest of Bashan, including the region of Argob, up to the border of Geshur and Maakah, and half of Gilead. Og was the last of the Rephaites. This conquest is also explicitly attributed to Moses.
These initial victories demonstrated God's power and set a precedent for the battles that would follow under Joshua's leadership.
Kings Conquered West of the Jordan (by Joshua)
The majority of Joshua 12 focuses on the extensive list of 31 kings conquered by Joshua and the Israelites in the land of Canaan, west of the Jordan River. These conquests represent the systematic dismantling of Canaanite power and the establishment of Israel's dominion over the land.
This comprehensive list underscores the scale and success of the Israelite conquest under Joshua. Each city and its king represent a significant victory in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
| No. | City | King/Region |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jericho | King of Jericho |
| 2 | Ai (near Bethel) | King of Ai |
| 3 | Jerusalem | King of Jerusalem |
| 4 | Hebron | King of Hebron |
| 5 | Jarmuth | King of Jarmuth |
| 6 | Lachish | King of Lachish |
| 7 | Eglon | King of Eglon |
| 8 | Gezer | King of Gezer |
| 9 | Debir | King of Debir |
| 10 | Geder | King of Geder |
| 11 | Hormah | King of Hormah |
| 12 | Arad | King of Arad |
| 13 | Libnah | King of Libnah |
| 14 | Adullam | King of Adullam |
| 15 | Makkedah | King of Makkedah |
| 16 | Bethel | King of Bethel |
| 17 | Tappuah | King of Tappuah |
| 18 | Hepher | King of Hepher |
| 19 | Aphek | King of Aphek |
| 20 | Lasharon | King of Lasharon |
| 21 | Madon | King of Madon |
| 22 | Hazor | King of Hazor |
| 23 | Shimron-Meron | King of Shimron-Meron |
| 24 | Achshaph | King of Achshaph |
| 25 | Taanach | King of Taanach |
| 26 | Megiddo | King of Megiddo |
| 27 | Kedesh | King of Kedesh |
| 28 | Jokneam | King of Jokneam |
| 29 | Dor | King of Dor |
| 30 | Goiim (Gilgal) | King of Goiim |
| 31 | Tirzah | King of Tirzah |
Significance of the List
Joshua 12 is more than just a historical catalog; it carries profound theological and practical significance:
- Evidence of God's Faithfulness: The exhaustive list serves as undeniable proof that God kept His promise to give the land of Canaan to Israel. It demonstrates His power to defeat formidable enemies on behalf of His people.
- Validation of Leadership: The chapter implicitly validates the leadership of both Moses and Joshua. Moses laid the foundation, and Joshua completed the task of securing the land.
- Completeness of Conquest: While some pockets of resistance remained, this chapter signifies the decisive victory and the breaking of the backbone of Canaanite power, making the land ready for tribal inheritance.
- Historical Record: It provides a crucial historical record for future generations of Israelites, reminding them of their heritage and the divine intervention in their nation's founding.
Practical Insights and Themes
Joshua 12 reinforces several important themes relevant to faith and divine promises:
- The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The chapter is a powerful testament to the fulfillment of prophecies given to Abraham and his descendants centuries earlier.
- God's Sovereignty in History: It illustrates God's active involvement in the affairs of nations, orchestrating events to bring about His purposes.
- The Importance of Obedience: The success of the conquests was directly tied to Israel's obedience to God's commands.
- The Ongoing Struggle: While the main battles were won, the detailed list also subtly points to the reality that the complete expulsion of all inhabitants was a long-term process requiring continued faithfulness.
In essence, Joshua 12 is a concluding summary of Israel's military success under divine guidance, transitioning from the period of conquest to the subsequent division of the land.
