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Joshua 12 Explained — The List Of Kings Israel Defeated

A roll of defeated kings is read out, from Sihon and Og to the rulers of Canaan's cities, thirty one in all, one name after another. The record turns battles into a testimony, reminding Israel that the LORD gave victory across the land.

Summary

Joshua 12:1–6 – Kings defeated by Moses east of the Jordan

What happens: The text lists Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan, whom Moses defeated, and the land given to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

What it means: God’s past victories frame present faith. Inheritance follows God’s faithfulness. Memory fuels gratitude and courage.


Joshua 12:7–24 – Kings defeated by Joshua west of the Jordan

What happens: Thirty-one kings west of the Jordan are listed as defeated by Joshua and Israel.

What it means: God fulfills His promise extensively and specifically. Every foe has a name, and God’s triumph covers each one. Recording God’s works honors Him.


Application

  • Review and record God’s past faithfulness to strengthen present trust.
  • Thank God for victories great and small by name.
  • Live as an heir of promises already secured in God’s power.

Bible

1Now 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:

2Sihon 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;

3And 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:

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

5And 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.

6Them 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.

7And 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;

8In 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:

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 Lasharon, one;

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

20The king of Shimronmeron, 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 of Carmel, one;

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

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

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