Joshua - Chapter 12

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: Joshua 12.2 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; Joshua 12.3 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: Joshua 12.4 And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, Joshua 12.5 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. Joshua 12.6 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. Joshua 12.7 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; Joshua 12.8 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: Joshua 12.9 The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; Joshua 12.10 The king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; Joshua 12.11 The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; Joshua 12.12 The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; Joshua 12.13 The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; Joshua 12.14 The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; Joshua 12.15 The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; Joshua 12.16 The king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; Joshua 12.17 The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; Joshua 12.18 The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one; Joshua 12.19 The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; Joshua 12.20 The king of Shimronmeron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; Joshua 12.21 The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; Joshua 12.22 The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one; Joshua 12.23 The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one; Joshua 12.24 The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one.

Joshua : Chapter 12

Reflection on Joshua Chapter 12

Joshua chapter 12 provides a summary of Israel's accomplishments, inviting us to reflect on the lessons we can learn from it. This text lists the kings defeated by Moses east of the Jordan and by Joshua in Canaan, thus highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the essential role of human leadership in God's plan.

Joshua 12 also serves as a historical record of Israel's victories. As you reflect on this summary chapter, we invite you to explore five biblical passages that resonate with the commemorative themes of this section of Scripture.

Bible Passages and Teachings

1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse echoes the theme of victory present in Joshua 12, but applies it to spiritual victory in Christ.

Psalm 44:3: "For they did not gain the land by his sword, nor did they gain victory by his arm; but by your right hand, your arm, and by the light of your countenance, because you loved them." This psalm reflects on the accomplishments listed in Joshua 12, attributing them to divine favor and not to human power.

Deuteronomy 3:21-22: "At that time I commanded Joshua, saying, 'You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms to which you shall pass over the River.'" This passage provides a context for the accomplishments listed in Joshua 12, showing that they were foreseen and promised by God.

Nehemiah 9:24: "His sons went in and possessed the land. You subdued the Canaanites who lived in the land and delivered them into their hands, along with their kings and the people of the land, to do with it as they wished." Nehemiah recalls the accomplishments listed in Joshua 12, seeing them as the fulfillment of God's promises.

2 Corinthians 2:14: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us to victory in Christ and diffuses through us everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him." Paul uses the language of triumph, echoing the victories listed in Joshua 12 but applying it to the spreading of the gospel.

These passages remind us that every victory, whether earthly or spiritual, is the fruit of divine grace and faith in his promises. May our reflection on Joshua 12 inspire us to live in confidence, knowing that God guides our steps in his plan of salvation.