Joshua 12:16

KJV

The king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one;

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} of Makkedah {H4719}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of Bethel {H1008}, one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

the king of Makkedah, the king of Beit-El,

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one;

American Standard Version

the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Beth-el, one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:16 is a succinct entry within a comprehensive catalog of thirty-one kings defeated by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership in the Promised Land. This meticulous enumeration, spanning the entire chapter, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, specifically regarding the land of Canaan. It underscores the completeness and divine orchestration of Israel's conquest, highlighting the systematic dismantling of Canaanite opposition as a display of divine power and judgment, thereby securing the land for Israel's inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 12 serves as a pivotal summary, marking the triumphant culmination of the conquest narratives detailed in chapters 1-11. Its strategic placement immediately precedes the division of the land among the tribes (chapters 13-21), emphasizing that the land could only be allotted because the primary military objectives had been decisively achieved. The chapter is structurally divided into two main sections: verses 1-6 list the kings defeated by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River, while verses 7-24 meticulously enumerate the kings conquered by Joshua on the west side. Joshua 12:16, specifically mentioning the kings of Makkedah and Bethel, falls within Joshua's campaign, underscoring the comprehensive nature of his victories. The defeat of Makkedah is explicitly recounted in [Joshua 10:28](/joshua/10-28 "Joshua 10:28 - Capture of Makkedah"), where it was among the first cities taken during the southern campaign following the miraculous victory at Gibeon. Bethel, while not having a dedicated conquest narrative in Joshua, was a significant city in central Canaan, historically important (e.g., [the account of Jacob's dream in Genesis 28](/genesis/28-10-22 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), and its king's defeat is implied as part of the broader central campaign, contributing to the overall subjugation of the region. The repetitive "one" after each king emphasizes the individual, decisive defeat of each ruler, reinforcing the thoroughness of the conquest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conquest of Canaan occurred in the Late Bronze Age (roughly 1550-1200 BC), a period characterized by numerous independent city-states, each ruled by its own king. These kings typically controlled the city and its immediate surrounding agricultural lands, wielding both political and military authority. Canaanite society was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods including Baal, Asherah, and Molech, often associated with fertility cults that involved practices anathema to Yahwistic worship, such as cultic prostitution and child sacrifice. The Israelites' conquest was not merely a territorial expansion but a divinely ordained judgment against the moral depravity and idolatry of these nations, as forewarned in [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4-5 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Reason for Dispossessing Nations"). Makkedah was a strategic city in the Shephelah (lowlands), crucial for controlling access to the Judean hills. Bethel, located on a major north-south ridge route, was a vital administrative and religious center. The systematic defeat of these kings reflects the military strategy of conquering key strongholds to dismantle Canaanite resistance and establish Israelite control over the land promised by God, fulfilling His ancient covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of defeated kings in Joshua 12 reinforces several overarching themes of the book and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness** and the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**. The conquest of Canaan was the direct fulfillment of the land covenant made with [Abraham in Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and reiterated to his descendants throughout the Pentateuch. Secondly, the sheer number of kings (thirty-one) emphasizes the **Completeness and Thoroughness of the Victory**. This was not a partial or temporary occupation but a decisive subjugation of the land, affirming that "not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass" ([Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")). Thirdly, the conquest represents **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**. The defeat of these kings and their nations was an act of divine justice against their entrenched wickedness, with Israel serving as God's instrument (cf. [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Consequences of Canaanite Practices")). This chapter, therefore, functions as a grand doxology to God's power, faithfulness, and justice, demonstrating His ability to bring His plans to fruition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term (H4428) denotes the sovereign ruler of a city-state. In the context of Canaan, each "king" typically governed a city and its immediate environs, functioning as both political and military leader. The repeated mention of "king" for each city underscores the dismantling of the existing political and military structures of Canaan. Each "king" represented a distinct center of power and resistance, and their individual defeat signifies the comprehensive nature of Israel's conquest, leaving no significant stronghold unconquered. This highlights that the victory was not merely over a land, but over its established leadership.
* **One (Hebrew, _'echad'_):** This numeral (H259), repeated after each king's title, serves to emphasize the singular, distinct defeat of each ruler. It highlights the meticulous accounting of God's victories and the systematic nature of the conquest. It's not just a general triumph over "Canaan," but a specific, king-by-king, city-by-city subjugation, affirming the thoroughness of God's work through Joshua. The repetition creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, declaration of divine accomplishment, underscoring the completeness of the victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king of Makkedah, one;":** This clause records the defeat of the king of Makkedah. Makkedah (H4719), meaning "fold," was a key city in the Shephelah, known from the detailed account in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - The Southern Campaign"), where its king was one of the five Amorite kings who fled to a cave after the miraculous battle of Gibeon and were subsequently executed by Joshua. The "one" signifies that this particular king was definitively defeated and accounted for in the grand tally of Israel's victories, emphasizing the precision of God's judgment and the thoroughness of the conquest.
* **"the king of Bethel, one;":** This clause similarly records the defeat of the king of Bethel. Bethel (H1008), meaning "House of God," was a historically and strategically significant city in the central hill country, known from patriarchal narratives (e.g., Jacob's dream in [Genesis 28](/genesis/28 "Genesis 28 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). While the specific narrative of Bethel's capture by Joshua is not detailed in the book of Joshua (it is later captured by the house of Joseph in [Judges 1:22-26](/judges/1-22-26 "Judges 1:22-26 - Capture of Bethel")), its inclusion here signifies its conquest as part of the broader central campaign, ensuring Israel's control over a vital region. The "one" again emphasizes the distinct and complete subjugation of this ruler, contributing to the overall picture of comprehensive victory.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 12:16, within the broader context of the chapter, employs several key literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where a detailed list of items (in this case, defeated kings) is presented. This device serves to emphasize the comprehensiveness and totality of the Israelite conquest, leaving no doubt about the extent of God's victory. Closely related is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring phrase "the king of [city name], one." This **Anaphora** (repetition at the beginning of successive clauses or phrases) creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like effect, underscoring the systematic and undeniable nature of God's victories. The cumulative effect of this relentless tally builds a profound sense of overwhelming triumph and divine accomplishment. It transforms what might otherwise be a dry list into a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness, Israel's success under His command, and the fulfillment of His promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:16, as part of the extensive list of conquered kings, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God is not only capable of making promises but is also faithful and powerful enough to bring every detail to pass. The comprehensive nature of the conquest, reflected in the defeat of thirty-one kings, underscores that God's plan for Israel to possess the land was fully realized. This historical account of divine faithfulness provides a foundational assurance for believers across all generations: if God meticulously fulfilled His ancient promises to Israel, He can be trusted to fulfill His promises to His people today. The defeat of these kings also represents a divine judgment against the entrenched wickedness and idolatry of the Canaanite nations, illustrating God's justice in dealing with sin and His use of Israel as an instrument of His righteous wrath.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy Nations")
* [Numbers 33:50-56](/numbers/33-50-56 "Numbers 33:50-56 - Instructions for Conquering Canaan")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Hand in Victory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 12:16 might appear to be a mere historical record, its inclusion in the inspired Word of God carries profound spiritual weight and enduring relevance. It is a testament to the God who sees every detail, fulfills every promise, and orchestrates every victory. For us today, this verse, within its broader context, encourages a deep and abiding trust in God's faithfulness, even when our own "battles" seem overwhelming, our challenges insurmountable, or the promises distant. Just as God meticulously defeated each king and secured the land for Israel, He is actively at work in our lives, systematically overcoming obstacles and bringing His purposes to fruition. This passage reminds us that spiritual victory is not haphazard but a direct result of God's sovereign power working through obedient faith. It calls us to reflect on God's past faithfulness in our own lives and in the grand history of salvation, strengthening our resolve to walk in obedience, confident that He who began a good work will bring it to completion, ultimately leading us into the inheritance He has prepared.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping in Joshua 12 affirm His character and inspire your trust in Him, particularly when facing personal challenges?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God for a "complete victory," believing He is systematically working on your behalf, even when you cannot see the full picture?**
* **How does the fulfillment of ancient promises to Israel encourage your faith in God's promises for your own life and for the ultimate triumph of His kingdom in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a detailed list of kings important in the Book of Joshua?**

Answer: The detailed list of kings in Joshua 12, including the king of Makkedah and the king of Bethel, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides irrefutable evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to give the land of Canaan to Israel (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Each defeated king represents a specific, tangible conquest, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the victory. Secondly, it highlights the thoroughness of the Israelite conquest, demonstrating that no significant stronghold or leader was left unconquered, thus securing the land for Israel's inheritance (cf. [Joshua 11:23](/joshua/11-23 "Joshua 11:23 - The Land Subdued")). Thirdly, it serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and power, showing that it was not by Israel's might but by divine intervention that these formidable enemies were overcome. The meticulous record validates the historical reality of these events and the divine hand behind them, serving as a powerful doxology to God's might.

**What is the significance of the word "one" after each king in this list?**

Answer: The repeated "one" (Hebrew: _'echad_) after each king's name, as seen in "The king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one;", serves to emphasize the individual and distinct defeat of each ruler. It is not merely a general statement of conquest but a precise, king-by-king accounting. This literary device underscores the systematic and comprehensive nature of God's work through Joshua. Each "one" signifies a separate victory, a distinct dismantling of a center of Canaanite power. This meticulous enumeration highlights the thoroughness of the conquest and the divine order in which it was executed, leaving no doubt about the completeness of Israel's triumph under God's command. It reinforces the idea that God's victory was total and absolute, leaving no enemy standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of conquered kings in Joshua 12, including the king of Makkedah and the king of Bethel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the comprehensive victory of Jesus Christ over all spiritual enemies. Just as Joshua, whose name is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, led Israel to conquer earthly kings and possess a physical land, Jesus, the greater Joshua, leads His people to conquer spiritual foes and inherit an eternal kingdom. The decisive defeat of thirty-one kings in Canaan foreshadows Christ's ultimate and decisive triumph over sin, death, and the demonic powers that hold humanity captive. The exhaustive nature of Joshua's conquest points to the completeness of Christ's work on the cross, where He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "rest" that Israel found in the Promised Land, secured by the defeat of these kings, prefigures the true and eternal rest that believers find in Christ, who has secured our inheritance not through earthly warfare but through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection (cf. [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8-10 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ")). Ultimately, Joshua 12:16 is a testament to the God who meticulously fulfills His promises, culminating in the reign of the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), Jesus Christ, who has conquered every foe to establish His eternal, unshakable kingdom.

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 10:28

¶ And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.

Joshua 8:17

And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

Judges 1:22

And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD [was] with them.

Genesis 12:8

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

Genesis 28:19

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.