Joshua 12:14

KJV

The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} of Hormah {H2767}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of Arad {H6166}, one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

the king of Hormah, the king of 'Arad,

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;

American Standard Version

the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:14 is a succinct entry within a comprehensive historical catalog, meticulously recording the defeat of the kings of Hormah and Arad by the Israelite forces under Joshua's leadership. This verse, like the entirety of Joshua chapter 12, serves as a powerful testament to the unwavering faithfulness and omnipotent power of God in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises, specifically the gift of the Promised Land to His people through complete and decisive victory over its inhabitants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 12 functions as a grand summary, marking the conclusion of the military conquest phase of the Promised Land and preceding the detailed division of the land among the tribes. It systematically lists all the kings defeated by Israel, first those east of the Jordan under Moses' leadership ([Joshua 12:1-6](/joshua/12-1 "Joshua 12:1-6 - Kings Conquered East of the Jordan")), and then the thirty-one kings west of the Jordan under Joshua's command ([Joshua 12:7-24](/joshua/12-7 "Joshua 12:7-24 - Kings Conquered West of the Jordan")). This meticulous enumeration underscores the thoroughness and completeness of the conquest, solidifying the narrative's assertion that the Lord delivered the land into Israel's hand, as stated in [Joshua 11:23](/joshua/11-23 "Joshua 11:23 - The Land Rested from War"). The brevity of each entry, including Joshua 12:14, emphasizes the sheer number of victories and the cumulative impact of God's power rather than individual battle narratives.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, particularly Canaan, was characterized by numerous independent city-states, each ruled by its own king. These kings often commanded fortified cities and surrounding territories, forming a complex web of alliances and conflicts. The defeat of a city's king signified the complete subjugation of that city and its domain. Hormah and Arad were significant Canaanite cities located in the Negev region, south of Judah. Their kings had previously resisted Israel's advance, particularly during the wilderness wandering (e.g., [Numbers 21:1-3](/numbers/21-1 "Numbers 21:1-3 - Israel's Victory at Hormah")). The inclusion of their defeat in this list highlights the comprehensive nature of the conquest, extending even to areas that had previously posed challenges or were strategically important. The conquest was not merely a territorial acquisition but a divine judgment against the moral depravity and idolatry of the Canaanite nations, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - God's Judgment on the Canaanites").

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within Joshua 12, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment**. The long list of conquered kings, including those of Hormah and Arad, stands as irrefutable evidence of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them the land of Canaan. He empowered Israel to take it, proving His omnipotence over all earthly rulers and their resistance, echoing the promise in [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - God's Promise to Joshua"). Another key theme is the **Completeness and Thoroughness of Victory**. The sheer number of defeated kings (thirty-one on the west side of the Jordan) emphasizes that the conquest was not partial but a comprehensive triumph, signifying that the major strongholds of the Canaanites had been broken, preparing the way for Israel's settlement. Finally, the chapter serves as a **Historical Record and Assurance**, a vital document for future generations of Israelites, reminding them of God's mighty acts on their behalf and providing assurance that the land they inhabited was truly a divine gift, secured through miraculous intervention and not by their own strength, as seen in [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Hand in Victory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hormah (Hebrew, _Chormah_):** This name, meaning "devotion to destruction" or "utter destruction," carries significant historical weight. It was originally named by the Israelites after a place where they were defeated due to disobedience, specifically by the Amalekites and Canaanites ([Numbers 14:45](/numbers/14-45 "Numbers 14:45 - Israel's Defeat at Hormah")). Later, it became the site of a decisive Israelite victory under God's command, fulfilling the very meaning of its name as a place utterly destroyed by Israel in the name of the Lord ([Numbers 21:3](/numbers/21-3 "Numbers 21:3 - Victory at Hormah"); [Judges 1:17](/judges/1-17 "Judges 1:17 - Judah and Simeon Conquer Hormah")). Its inclusion here signifies the final subjugation of a historically defiant area, symbolizing the reversal of Israel's fortunes and the completeness of God's judgment.
* **Arad (Hebrew, _'Arad_):** Arad was a prominent Canaanite city in the southern Negev region, strategically located along ancient trade routes. Its king had also previously engaged in conflict with the Israelites during their wilderness journey, taking some of them captive ([Numbers 21:1](/numbers/21-1 "Numbers 21:1 - The King of Arad Attacks Israel")). The defeat of the king of Arad, therefore, represents the overcoming of another long-standing and significant point of Canaanite resistance, further demonstrating the comprehensive reach of the Israelite conquest.
* **"one" (Hebrew, _'echad_):** The repeated use of "one" after each city name emphasizes the precise and distinct nature of each victory. It is not a generalized statement but a meticulous accounting, underscoring that each king, no matter how powerful, was individually defeated by God's power through Joshua. This numerical precision lends an air of historical accuracy and completeness to the record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king of Hormah, one;":** This clause records the specific defeat of the king ruling the city of Hormah. The addition of "one" signifies that this was a distinct, singular victory. Given Hormah's prior significance as a place of Israelite defeat and later a place of divine judgment and victory, its inclusion here is not merely a geographical marker but a powerful reminder of God's ability to reverse historical setbacks and bring about complete triumph over formidable foes.
* **"the king of Arad, one;":** Similarly, this clause notes the defeat of the king of Arad, another distinct and significant victory. Arad's strategic location and its king's prior resistance to Israel further highlight the thoroughness of the conquest. The defeat of these two kings, alongside the others in the chapter, serves as a concise yet potent declaration of God's faithfulness in delivering the land and subjugating its rulers as He promised.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 12:14, within the broader context of the chapter, employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Catalog** or **List**, as the entire chapter is a systematic enumeration of conquered kings and their territories. This meticulous listing serves to emphasize the sheer scale and thoroughness of the Israelite conquest, leaving no doubt about the completeness of God's fulfillment of His promises. The repetitive structure, "The king of X, one; the king of Y, one;", demonstrates **Anaphora** and **Parallelism**, creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration of each individual victory. This concise, almost terse, style also highlights **Brevity**, yet its cumulative effect is one of overwhelming power and divine accomplishment. The chapter functions as a **Historical Record**, presenting a factual and verifiable account of the conquest, intended to serve as a foundational document for future generations of Israelites, affirming their divine inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:14, though a brief historical entry, resonates with profound theological implications. It is a direct manifestation of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and nations. The defeat of these kings, like all others listed, was not merely a military triumph but a divine act of judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites and a demonstration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This passage underscores that God is a promise-keeping God, meticulously fulfilling every detail of His word, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. The thoroughness of the conquest, symbolized by the defeat of each individual king, testifies to God's comprehensive power to overcome all opposition to His will and purposes. This historical record serves as an enduring testimony to His faithfulness, providing a foundation of trust for future generations.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy the Canaanites")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Hand in Victory")
* [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 12:14 might initially appear as a dry historical record, its deeper spiritual significance offers profound lessons for believers today. The meticulous listing of conquered kings, including those of Hormah and Arad, serves as a powerful reminder that God is utterly faithful to His promises. Just as He systematically removed every obstacle to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, so too can we trust Him to overcome the "kings" or strongholds in our own lives—be they spiritual battles, personal weaknesses, or seemingly insurmountable challenges. This passage encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal testimonies, as a foundation for trusting Him with our present and future. Our spiritual victories, much like Israel's physical conquests, are ultimately dependent not on our strength or strategy, but on our obedience to God's commands and our reliance on His omnipotent power. We are called to identify the "kings" that resist God's reign in our hearts and lives, and through faith and obedience, participate with Him in their defeat, knowing that He has already secured the ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record of God's past faithfulness in Joshua 12:14 encourage you to trust Him with current challenges in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to see God's "conquest" of obstacles, and how does Israel's obedience inspire your own?**
* **How can remembering God's specific victories, like those over the kings of Hormah and Arad, strengthen your faith daily and prompt you to give Him glory?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific kings listed so briefly, without detailed battle accounts?**

Answer: The brevity of the entries in Joshua 12, including Joshua 12:14, serves a specific literary and theological purpose. The chapter is not intended to be a detailed battle narrative for each city, which would be exhaustive and repetitive. Instead, it functions as a comprehensive summary and a historical record, emphasizing the *completeness* and *thoroughness* of God's victory through Israel. The focus is on the sheer number of defeated kings and territories, underscoring that no significant resistance remained. This concise catalog highlights God's overarching power and faithfulness in delivering the entire land, rather than dwelling on individual human exploits. It's a testament to the divine power behind *all* the conquests, demonstrating that God systematically removed every obstacle to His people's inheritance.

**What is the significance of Hormah's name in this context?**

Answer: The name Hormah (Hebrew for "devotion to destruction" or "utter destruction") is highly significant. It was a place with a complex history for Israel. Initially, it was where the Israelites suffered a humiliating defeat due to their disobedience after the spies' report ([Numbers 14:45](/numbers/14-45 "Numbers 14:45 - Israel's Defeat at Hormah")). However, it later became a site of decisive Israelite victory, where they utterly destroyed the Canaanites there, thus fulfilling the very meaning of the name as a place devoted to destruction by God's command ([Numbers 21:3](/numbers/21-3 "Numbers 21:3 - Victory at Hormah")). Its inclusion in Joshua 12:14, therefore, marks the final and complete subjugation of a historically defiant area, symbolizing God's reversal of Israel's past failures and the ultimate triumph of His will.

**Does this chapter, with its list of conquered kings, suggest that God condones violence and conquest as a general principle?**

Answer: No, this chapter does not suggest that God condones violence and conquest as a general principle for all times and peoples. The conquest of Canaan was a unique, divinely ordained event with specific theological and historical parameters. It was an act of divine judgment against the utterly depraved Canaanite cultures, whose practices included child sacrifice, widespread idolatry, and sexual immorality, reaching a point where their iniquity was "full" ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). God used Israel as His instrument of judgment and simultaneously fulfilled His ancient covenant promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants, establishing a holy nation through whom He would bless all the families of the earth. This was a specific, limited, and unrepeatable historical event, not a template for future military expansion or a blanket endorsement of warfare. It highlights God's justice and sovereignty over nations, rather than promoting unbridled violence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The historical record of Joshua 12:14, detailing the defeat of the kings of Hormah and Arad, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate and comprehensive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer earthly kings and possess a physical land, Christ, our greater Joshua, has triumphed over far more formidable adversaries: sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. The meticulous listing of defeated kings in Joshua 12 underscores the thoroughness of Israel's conquest; similarly, Christ's victory on the cross was absolute and complete, disarming and triumphing over every spiritual "king" and "ruler" that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He abolished the power of death and delivered those who were enslaved by the fear of it ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). The promised land, secured by Joshua's conquests, points to the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that believers find in Christ, our true "land" of promise. Ultimately, Joshua 12:14, with its declaration of conquered kings, anticipates the coming of the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who reigns supreme over all creation and whose kingdom is eternal ([Revelation 19:16](/revolution/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - 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

Numbers 21:1

¶ And [when] king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took [some] of them prisoners.

Numbers 14:45

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.

Numbers 21:3

And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.