Joshua 12:12

KJV

The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} of Eglon {H5700}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of Gezer {H1507}, one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

the king of 'Eglon, the king of Gezer,

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

American Standard Version

the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:12, a concise enumeration of two defeated Canaanite rulers, the king of Eglon and the king of Gezer, serves as a microcosm of the broader summary chapter detailing Israel's comprehensive conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. This verse, embedded within a meticulous list of thirty-one vanquished kings west of the Jordan, underscores the thoroughness of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and the decisive nature of the victory granted to His people. It transforms a mere historical record into a profound theological declaration of divine sovereignty and the successful establishment of Israel in their inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 12 functions as a grand theological summary, marking a pivotal transition in the book of Joshua. Following the detailed accounts of specific military campaigns—such as the fall of [Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"), the defeat at [Ai](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - The Conquest of Ai"), the southern campaign against the Amorite kings in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Southern Campaign"), and the northern campaign against Jabin and his allies in [Joshua 11](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - The Northern Campaign")—this chapter consolidates the victories. Verses 1-6 list the kings defeated east of the Jordan (Sihon and Og), while verses 7-24 meticulously enumerate the thirty-one kings conquered on the west side. Joshua 12:12 specifically names two of these western kings, Eglon and Gezer, highlighting that no significant stronghold or ruler was left unchallenged. This exhaustive list serves as a concluding statement to the conquest narratives, affirming that the land was indeed subdued before the subsequent phase of land distribution began in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins"). It is a testament to God's complete and methodical work through Joshua.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the conquest, roughly late 15th or early 13th century BCE, saw Canaan as a patchwork of independent city-states, each ruled by its own "king" (often more akin to a city-governor) and vying for regional dominance. These cities were typically fortified, with agricultural lands and smaller villages under their control. Eglon was a significant city in the Shephelah, the low hills between the coastal plain and the Judean mountains, strategically located near Lachish and a key target in Joshua's southern campaign as detailed in [Joshua 10:34-35](/joshua/10-34 "Joshua 10:34-35 - Conquest of Lachish and Eglon"). Gezer, located on the border between the tribal territories of Ephraim and Dan, was a crucial city controlling the Via Maris, a major international trade route. Its strategic importance meant it was a formidable stronghold. The Canaanite culture was polytheistic, characterized by idolatry, fertility cults, and abhorrent practices like child sacrifice, which God condemned and commanded Israel to dispossess as an act of divine judgment (e.g., [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - God's Judgment on the Canaanites")). The defeat of these kings was not merely a military triumph but a theological act of cleansing and covenant fulfillment.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration in Joshua 12, including verse 12, powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to Abraham concerning the land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The systematic defeat of each king underscores **Total Victory** and **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the conquest was not merely Israel's military might but God's orchestration, fighting on behalf of His people (as seen in [Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "Joshua 10:42 - The Lord Fought for Israel")). The list also highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Command**, as God had commanded Israel to dispossess the inhabitants of Canaan (e.g., [Numbers 33:50-56](/numbers/33-50 "Numbers 33:50-56 - Command to Dispossess the Land")). Finally, the chapter serves as a **Historical and Theological Record**, providing undeniable evidence for future generations of Israel regarding their inheritance and the God who delivered it, ensuring that God's mighty acts would not be forgotten.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **One (Hebrew, _'echad'_):** The Hebrew word אֶחָד (_'echad'_) literally means "one," "a single one," or "first." In this context, appended to each king's name, it functions as a simple numerical marker, indicating that each named king accounts for one distinct, individual victory. It emphasizes the methodical and complete nature of the conquest, where each ruler, no matter how powerful, was individually subdued. While seemingly mundane, this repetition of "one" reinforces the thoroughness of God's work, ensuring that no king or city was overlooked in the divine plan of disinheritance and land acquisition. It contributes to the chapter's overall purpose of presenting a comprehensive and exhaustive summary of the conquest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king of Eglon, one;":** This phrase identifies the ruler of Eglon as one of the distinct kings defeated by Israel. Eglon was a key Amorite city in the Shephelah, whose king joined the coalition against Gibeon and was subsequently defeated by Joshua in the southern campaign (cf. [Joshua 10:34-35](/joshua/10-34 "Joshua 10:34-35 - The Capture of Eglon")). The appended "one" signifies that this specific victory contributed to the overall tally of vanquished rulers, marking a singular, complete conquest of that city-state and its king. It points to the specific, targeted nature of God's judgment and Israel's obedience.
* **"the king of Gezer, one;":** Similarly, this clause names the ruler of Gezer as another distinct king defeated. Gezer was a strategically important Canaanite city, controlling a vital trade route. While Joshua's forces attacked Gezer (cf. [Joshua 10:33](/joshua/10-33 "Joshua 10:33 - The Defeat of Gezer")), the city itself was not fully conquered by Israel in Joshua's time, as evidenced by later biblical accounts (e.g., [Judges 1:29](/judges/1-29 "Judges 1:29 - Ephraim's Failure to Drive Out Canaanites in Gezer")). The inclusion of its king here, marked as "one," likely refers to the defeat of the king and his army in battle, breaking their power and allowing Israel to gain control over the surrounding territory, even if the city itself remained a stronghold for a time. It signifies a decisive military victory over its leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 12:12, as part of a larger list, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The entire chapter is an extensive enumeration of defeated kings, providing a systematic and exhaustive tally of Israel's conquests. This device serves to underscore the completeness and thoroughness of the victory. The **Repetition** of the word "one" (אֶחָד, _'echad'_) after each king's name reinforces the individual, distinct nature of each victory, contributing to the grand total. This repetitive structure creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the overwhelming scale of God's work. Furthermore, the list itself functions as a form of **Summary**, consolidating the detailed narratives of previous chapters into a concise, impactful statement of divine accomplishment. While not a direct literary device, the chapter also utilizes **Symbolism**, where the sheer number of defeated kings symbolizes God's absolute power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel, transforming a mere historical record into a powerful theological declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:12, though a simple line in a list, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The defeat of these individual kings, like Eglon and Gezer, is not merely a historical footnote but a concrete manifestation of God's active involvement in the history of His people. It demonstrates that the God of Israel is a God who keeps His word, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan as an inheritance for his descendants. This systematic disinheritance of the Canaanites also highlights God's justice and judgment against the rampant wickedness and idolatry that characterized the land, establishing a holy space for His covenant people. The comprehensive nature of these victories, summarized in this chapter, provides assurance that God's plans, though sometimes unfolding through long and arduous processes, will ultimately come to full fruition.

* [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant Promise of Land")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Drive Out the Nations")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - The Lord Gave Israel All the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of defeated kings in Joshua 12:12, and the entire chapter, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is utterly faithful to His promises, regardless of the obstacles or the passage of time. Just as He methodically and completely subdued the formidable enemies of Israel to grant them their inheritance, so too does He work in our lives, overcoming spiritual strongholds and fulfilling His purposes. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. It calls us to persevere in obedience, knowing that our victories, both large and small, are ultimately orchestrated by Him. The thoroughness of the conquest should inspire us to pursue a "total victory" in our spiritual lives, allowing God to conquer every area that is not fully yielded to Him, trusting that He will complete the good work He began in us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's fulfillment of promises in Joshua 12, including the defeat of specific kings like Eglon and Gezer, strengthen your faith in His faithfulness to your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God for "total victory," allowing Him to dispossess spiritual strongholds or persistent sins?**
* **How does understanding God's judgment against the Canaanites inform your understanding of His holiness and justice today, and how does this relate to His grace?**
* **What "kings" or obstacles in your life currently seem insurmountable, and how can the example of God's work through Joshua encourage you to rely on His power?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of defeated kings important in the Bible?**

Answer: This detailed list, including Joshua 12:12, is crucial for several reasons. First, it serves as a **historical record**, verifying the factual basis of the conquest and providing undeniable evidence for future generations of Israel that God indeed delivered on His promises. Second, it functions as a **theological statement** of God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness. The sheer number and specific identification of defeated kings underscore that the conquest was not a partial or haphazard event, but a comprehensive and divinely orchestrated fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). It demonstrates God's power over all earthly rulers and His commitment to establishing His people in the land He promised. Finally, it highlights the **completeness of the initial phase of the conquest**, setting the stage for the subsequent division of the land among the tribes, ensuring that Israel understood their inheritance was a gift secured by God's mighty hand.

**What happened to the cities of Eglon and Gezer after their kings were defeated?**

Answer: The fate of Eglon and Gezer after their kings' defeat illustrates the varying degrees of Israel's conquest and possession. **Eglon** was definitively captured and utterly destroyed by Joshua during the southern campaign, as recorded in [Joshua 10:34-35](/joshua/10-34 "Joshua 10:34-35 - The Capture of Eglon"). Its king was executed, and the city was put to the ban, meaning its inhabitants were utterly destroyed, fulfilling God's command for judgment against the Canaanites. **Gezer**, however, presents a more complex picture. While its king was defeated in battle (mentioned in [Joshua 10:33](/joshua/10-33 "Joshua 10:33 - The Defeat of Gezer") and listed here), the city itself was not fully conquered by Joshua's generation. [Judges 1:29](/judges/1-29 "Judges 1:29 - Ephraim's Failure to Drive Out Canaanites in Gezer") states that the tribe of Ephraim, to whom Gezer was allotted, failed to drive out the Canaanites living there, though they did make them forced labor. Gezer remained a Canaanite stronghold until much later, when it was captured by an Egyptian Pharaoh and given as a dowry to Solomon's wife (cf. [1 Kings 9:16](/1_kings/9-16 "1 Kings 9:16 - Pharaoh Captures Gezer")). This distinction highlights that while the *kings* were defeated, signifying a breaking of Canaanite power, the *complete possession* of the land was a process that extended beyond Joshua's lifetime, often hindered by Israel's incomplete obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 12:12, and the entire chapter detailing the conquest of Canaan, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name is a form of "Jesus" (Yeshua), serves as a type of Christ, leading God's people into their promised inheritance. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer earthly kings and possess a physical land, Jesus, the greater Joshua, leads His people into a spiritual inheritance and a heavenly kingdom. The defeat of the kings of Eglon and Gezer foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over far more formidable adversaries: sin, death, and the spiritual forces of darkness. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual "rulers and authorities" (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The rest that Israel found in the land, though imperfect and temporary, points to the true and eternal rest that believers find in Christ (cf. [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The Promise of Rest")). The comprehensive list of defeated kings in Joshua 12 assures us that Christ's victory is total and complete; He has conquered every enemy that stands between us and our eternal inheritance. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the King of Kings who will ultimately establish His perfect and everlasting kingdom (cf. [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - The King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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 10:33

Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua smote him and his people, until he had left him none remaining.

Joshua 15:39

Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,

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.