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:

Now these are the kings {H4428} of the land {H776}, which the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} smote {H5221}, and possessed {H3423} their land {H776} on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} toward the rising {H4217} of the sun {H8121}, from the river {H5158} Arnon {H769} unto mount {H2022} Hermon {H2768}, and all the plain {H6160} on the east {H4217}:

These are the kings of the land whom the people of Isra'el defeated and of whose land they took possession, across the Yarden toward the east, from the Arnon Valley to Mount Hermon and all the 'Aravah eastward:

Now these are the kings of the land whom the Israelites struck down and whose lands they took beyond the Jordan to the east, from the Arnon Valley to Mount Hermon, including all the Arabah eastward:

Now these are the kings of the land, whom the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrising, from the valley of the Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the Arabah eastward:

Commentary

Context of Joshua 12:1

Joshua 12:1 marks a pivotal transition in the book of Joshua. Following the extensive accounts of Israel's conquest of the land of Canaan (chapters 1-11), this chapter provides a comprehensive summary of all the kings and territories that the children of Israel defeated. Specifically, verse 1 begins by listing the kings conquered on the "other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun," which refers to the territory east of the Jordan River. These initial victories, over kings like Sihon of the Amorites and Og of Bashan, were accomplished under the leadership of Moses before the main invasion of Canaan proper, as detailed in passages such as Deuteronomy 3:1-11. This verse serves as an introduction to the full inventory of vanquished foes, highlighting the expansive nature of God's provision for His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fulfillment of God's Promise: The act of possessing the land is a direct manifestation of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., Genesis 15:18). This verse underscores divine faithfulness in bringing His people into their inheritance.
  • Divine Victory and Sovereignty: The phrase "which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land" emphasizes that these conquests were not merely human achievements but were empowered and directed by God. It speaks to God's sovereignty over nations and His active involvement in the history of His people.
  • Historical Record and Verification: The detailed enumeration of kings and territories in this chapter, beginning with verse 1, serves as a meticulous historical record. It validates the extent of Israel's conquest and provides irrefutable evidence of God's mighty acts on their behalf.
  • Territorial Boundaries: The specific mention of "from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east" precisely defines the southern and northern extents of the Transjordanian conquests, illustrating the tangible reality of the land given to Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "toward the rising of the sun" is a straightforward Hebrew idiom, mizrach shemesh (מִזְרַח שֶׁמֶשׁ), simply meaning "east." It clearly delineates the geographical area under discussion. The term "smote" (Hebrew: nakah, נָכָה) implies a decisive, often fatal, defeat, reflecting the complete overthrow of these kings and their forces. "Possessed" (Hebrew: yarash, יָרַשׁ) signifies taking possession of an inheritance, reinforcing the theological idea that this land was a divinely granted heritage, not merely seized by force.

Practical Application and Reflection

Joshua 12:1 reminds us of God's unfailing faithfulness to His promises. Just as He delivered the promised land to Israel, He remains faithful to His word in our lives. This verse encourages us to reflect on God's past victories—both in biblical history and in our personal experiences—as a foundation for trust in His future provisions. It highlights the importance of acknowledging God as the true source of victory and blessing, even when human effort is involved. Remembering these foundational truths can strengthen our faith when facing new challenges, knowing that the same God who brought Israel into their inheritance is at work today.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 3:8

    And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

  • Deuteronomy 3:9

    ([Which] Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)

  • Numbers 21:13

    From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which [is] in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon [is] the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

  • Numbers 21:24

    And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.

  • Joshua 1:15

    Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as [he hath given] you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.

  • Judges 11:18

    Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab.

  • Deuteronomy 2:24

    ¶ Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle.
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