Joshua 12:11

KJV

The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} of Jarmuth {H3412}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of Lachish {H3923}, one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

the king of Yarmut, the king of Lakhish,

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;

American Standard Version

the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:11, stating "The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one," is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the comprehensive catalog of thirty-one Canaanite kings decisively defeated by Joshua and the Israelite army. This chapter serves as a triumphant summary of the conquest of the Promised Land, meticulously documenting the fulfillment of God's ancient promises. Each "one" beside a king's name underscores the decisive, individual victory achieved by divine power, highlighting the thoroughness of God's judgment upon the land and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, paving the way for Israel's inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 12 functions as the grand conclusion to the conquest narrative that spans Joshua chapters 1-11. Following detailed accounts of specific battles and campaigns—such as the miraculous fall of Jericho and Ai, the decisive southern campaign against the Amorite confederacy, and the swift northern campaign against Hazor—chapter 12 provides a high-level, administrative summary of all the kings and territories subjugated. It first lists the kings defeated by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River (verses 1-6), then transitions to the twenty-four kings conquered by Joshua on the west side (verses 7-24). Joshua 12:11 is an integral part of this latter list, serving as a concise record of the decisive victories that secured the land God had promised. This chapter acts as a crucial bridge, closing the military phase of Israel's entry into Canaan and setting the stage for the detailed land distribution among the tribes in the subsequent chapters, beginning with [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land East of the Jordan").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jarmuth and Lachish were significant Canaanite city-states located in the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah. This region was strategically vital, bordering the coastal plain and the central hill country, making control of these cities crucial for securing the land. Canaanite society was characterized by independent city-states, each ruled by its own king and often heavily fortified, reflecting a decentralized but resilient political structure. The defeat of these kings was not merely a military victory but represented the dismantling of the Canaanite political and religious infrastructure, which was deeply entrenched in idolatry and abhorrent practices. The king of Jarmuth was one of the five Amorite kings who formed a confederacy to attack Gibeon, leading to the miraculous battle where the sun stood still, as recorded in [Joshua 10:3-5](/joshua/10-3-5 "Joshua 10:3-5 - Amorite Confederacy Against Gibeon"). Lachish was an even more formidable regional center, heavily fortified and strategically crucial. Its capture, detailed in [Joshua 10:31-32](/joshua/10-31-32 "Joshua 10:31-32 - Capture of Lachish"), was a particularly challenging and significant military achievement, demonstrating Israel's ability to conquer even the strongest Canaanite strongholds under divine guidance. The inclusion of these specific cities underscores the comprehensive nature of the conquest, targeting key centers of power and resistance.
* **Key Themes:** The enumeration of conquered kings in [Joshua 12](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings"), including those of Jarmuth and Lachish, powerfully reinforces several overarching themes of the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost among these is the **Divine Fulfillment of Promise**. The detailed list serves as undeniable evidence that God meticulously brought to pass His ancient covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan. Each defeated king is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Secondly, the chapter highlights **God's Sovereign Power** over all earthly rulers and kingdoms. The repeated "one" signifies that no human king, no matter how powerful or how well-fortified their city, could ultimately stand against the Lord's might working through His people. This theme is echoed throughout the conquest narratives, where victory is consistently attributed to divine intervention rather than Israel's military prowess (e.g., [Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "Joshua 10:42 - The Lord Fought for Israel")). Finally, the sheer number of kings defeated emphasizes the **Comprehensive Nature of the Conquest and Divine Judgment**. This was not a partial victory but a thorough breaking of Canaanite strongholds, paving the way for the tribes to inherit their portions of the land, as commanded by God in [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Divine Command for Conquest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to rule," denotes the sovereign ruler of a city-state, embodying its political, military, and often religious authority. The repeated mention of "the king of [city]" emphasizes that the conquest was not merely of territory but of the established power structures that opposed God's plan. Defeating the king symbolized the complete subjugation of the city and its inhabitants, signifying a transfer of dominion from pagan rule to God's chosen people.
* **One (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This numeral, derived from a root meaning "united," signifies "one" or "first." In this context, it serves as a simple yet profoundly impactful tally mark. It signifies a distinct, decisive, and complete victory over each individual king and their respective city-state. This repetition creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, effect, underscoring the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the conquest. It emphasizes that no king escaped, and each fell singularly and completely under God's judgment and Israel's sword.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king of Jarmuth, one;":** This clause identifies the first of two specific rulers in this verse. Jarmuth was an ancient city situated in the Shephelah, a strategic lowland region in Judah. Its king was a prominent figure in the Amorite confederacy that launched an attack against Gibeon, prompting Israel's decisive southern campaign where God miraculously intervened (Joshua 10). The appended "one" signifies that this particular king, despite his power and the strength of his city, was completely and individually defeated, contributing to the overall tally of subjugated rulers.
* **"the king of Lachish, one;":** This second clause names another critical Canaanite city-state and its ruler. Lachish was one of the most heavily fortified and strategically vital cities in the Shephelah, serving as a major regional center. Its capture was a significant military challenge for Joshua, as detailed in [Joshua 10:31-32](/joshua/10-31-32 "Joshua 10:31-32 - Capture of Lachish"), highlighting its formidable defenses. Like Jarmuth, its king was also part of the anti-Gibeonite coalition. The accompanying "one" reiterates the singular, complete, and undeniable victory over this powerful king and his stronghold, further emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Israel's conquest under divine command.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 12:11, within the broader context of the chapter, employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the anaphoric use of "one" (אֶחָד) after each king's name. This creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like effect, emphasizing the individual and decisive defeat of each sovereign ruler. This repetition underscores the comprehensive nature of the conquest, ensuring that no victory is overlooked and the total number of subjugated kings is clearly tallied. The entire chapter functions as a **Catalogue** or **List**, a common ancient Near Eastern literary form used to document achievements, tribute, or conquered entities. This cataloging serves to legitimize Israel's claim to the land by providing a detailed, almost administrative, record of the divine mandate fulfilled through military action. The concise, almost terse, presentation of each entry ("king of X, one") also contributes to a sense of **Litany**, transforming what might otherwise be a dry list into a powerful testament to God's overwhelming power and the thoroughness of His judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:11, though a seemingly simple enumeration, carries profound theological weight. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign power in fulfilling His covenant promises. The systematic defeat of each king, symbolized by the repetitive "one," demonstrates that no human power or fortified city could ultimately thwart God's will for His people to inherit the land. This chapter serves as a concrete, historical record of God's comprehensive judgment upon the wickedness of the Canaanites and His provision for Israel. It underscores the principle that God is actively involved in history, orchestrating events to bring about His divine purposes, ensuring that what He promises, He will surely bring to pass. The thoroughness of the conquest foreshadows God's desire for complete victory in the lives of His people, not just partial triumph, and highlights the divine initiative behind Israel's success.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Divine Command to Conquer")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "God's Fulfillment of Promise")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "God's Hand in Victory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of conquered kings in Joshua 12:11 offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It is a profound reminder that God is utterly faithful to His promises, even when their fulfillment seems distant or impossible. Just as He meticulously delivered Canaan into Israel's hands, He remains committed to His word concerning our lives, our salvation, and His ultimate kingdom. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power, recognizing that no obstacle—whether personal struggles, spiritual battles, or challenging circumstances—is too formidable for Him to overcome. The comprehensive nature of the conquest, where every king was defeated and every stronghold broken, speaks to God's desire for complete victory in our lives. He doesn't merely wish for partial triumph over sin or hardship but seeks to bring every area under His dominion, enabling us to walk in the fullness of His promised inheritance. This should inspire us to surrender our "fortified cities"—our areas of stubbornness, fear, or self-reliance—to His mighty hand, confident that He will bring about a thorough and decisive victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed record of conquered kings in Joshua 12 strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises today?**
* **What "fortified cities" or "kings" (obstacles, sins, challenging circumstances) in your life do you need to surrender to God's comprehensive victory?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for God's promised intervention, and how does Joshua 12:11 encourage perseverance and trust?**

### FAQ

**Why is this list of kings so important, and not just a dry historical record?**

Answer: This list is far from a dry historical record; it is a profound theological statement. It serves as concrete, undeniable evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"), [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")) and Moses ([Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Divine Command for Conquest")) to give Israel the land of Canaan. Each "one" beside a king's name is a tally mark of divine power and comprehensive judgment. It demonstrates God's sovereign control over all earthly rulers and His ability to bring about His will, even through seemingly insurmountable military campaigns. It underscores that the conquest was not by Israel's might, but by God's hand, ensuring that His people would know that their inheritance was a divine gift, not a human achievement.

**What was the specific significance of Jarmuth and Lachish being named in this verse?**

Answer: Jarmuth and Lachish were not arbitrary inclusions; they were key cities in the Shephelah, a strategically vital lowland region that served as a buffer and gateway to the central hill country. Their kings were prominent figures in the powerful Amorite confederacy that attacked Gibeon, leading to one of the most significant battles in the conquest narrative, where God miraculously intervened by causing the sun to stand still ([Joshua 10:1-14](/joshua/10-1-14 "Joshua 10:1-14 - The Day the Sun Stood Still")). Lachish, in particular, was a heavily fortified and militarily significant city, a regional stronghold. Its capture, detailed in [Joshua 10:31-32](/joshua/10-31-32 "Joshua 10:31-32 - Capture of Lachish"), underscored Israel's ability to overcome even the strongest Canaanite defenses with God's help. Their specific mention highlights the thoroughness of the conquest, demonstrating that even the most formidable and strategically important centers of Canaanite power were brought to their knees by God's decree.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The conquest of the Canaanite kings, culminating in the summary of [Joshua 12](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings"), serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate and decisive victory of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer earthly kings and possess a physical land, so Christ, the greater Joshua, leads His people in a spiritual conquest, securing a heavenly inheritance. The repeated "one" for each defeated king in Joshua 12 points to the singular, comprehensive, and decisive victory achieved by Christ on the cross. There, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The defeat of the kings of Jarmuth and Lachish, representing formidable earthly powers, prefigures Christ's ultimate subjugation of all spiritual enemies, including sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). He is the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")), who reigns until He has put all His enemies under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies are Subdued")). The physical inheritance in Canaan points to the spiritual inheritance of eternal life and fellowship with God, secured not by human might but by Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, granting believers victory over the spiritual forces of darkness and the promise of a new heaven and new earth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 10:31

And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:

Joshua 10:32

And the LORD delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, which took it on the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that [were] therein, according to all that he had done to Libnah.

Joshua 10:3

Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Joshua 10:23

And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, [and] the king of Eglon.