Joshua 12:18

KJV

The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} of Aphek {H663}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of Lasharon {H8289}, one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

the king of Afek, the king of Sharon,

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;

American Standard Version

the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lassharon, one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:18 is a concise entry within a comprehensive historical record, meticulously listing two more of the thirty-one kings defeated by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership during the conquest of Canaan. This verse, "The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one," signifies the subjugation of these specific city-states, underscoring the vastness and thoroughness of Israel's divinely empowered campaign to possess the Promised Land. It serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 12 serves as a pivotal summary chapter, marking the culmination of the initial phase of the conquest narrative (Joshua 1-12). Following detailed accounts of specific campaigns and victories (e.g., Jericho, Ai, the southern and northern campaigns), this chapter provides a comprehensive catalog of all the kings defeated by Israel, first under Moses east of the Jordan (vv. 1-6) and then under Joshua west of the Jordan (vv. 7-24). Joshua 12:18 is an integral part of this exhaustive list, emphasizing the systematic and complete nature of the conquest. It functions as a formal declaration of Israel's dominion over the land, reinforcing the narrative's central theme of God's faithfulness in delivering on His promises. The meticulous enumeration underscores the historical reality and the divine scope of the victories.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Canaan was organized into numerous independent city-states, each typically ruled by a "king" (often a local chieftain or warlord) who controlled the city and its surrounding territory. These city-states were often fortified and could form alliances for defense. The conquest of Canaan, therefore, was not a single, monolithic event but a series of distinct campaigns against these individual strongholds. Aphek, meaning "fortress," likely refers to one of several strategically important, fortified cities of that name in ancient Israel, indicating the defeat of a significant military target. Lasharon, possibly connected to the fertile Plain of Sharon, suggests the subjugation of a region important for agriculture or trade. The phrase "one" after each king's name is a tally marker, emphasizing the individual defeat and counting of each sovereign entity, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Israel's territorial acquisition and the dismantling of the existing political structures.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Joshua 12:18 within this summary chapter significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. First and foremost is **Divine Faithfulness**: The meticulous record of defeated kings, including those from Aphek and Lasharon, serves as undeniable proof of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, particularly the promise of the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Second, it highlights the **Comprehensive Victory** achieved by Israel; the sheer number of defeated kings (totaling [31 kings listed in Joshua 12](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - Summary of Conquered Kings")) underscores the thoroughness of Israel's military success and the extent of their territorial control, leaving no major power unconquered. Finally, the narrative consistently attributes victory to **God's Sovereignty in Conquest**: While Joshua led the Israelite armies, the ultimate triumph was always attributed to the Lord, who "fought for Israel" (as affirmed in passages like [Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "Joshua 10:42 - The LORD Fought for Israel")), demonstrating that the conquest was a divine work, not merely human military prowess.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aphek (Hebrew, _'Afeq'_):** This name, meaning "fortress" or "strength," was common for several fortified locations in ancient Israel, suggesting a strategic and defensible city. Its inclusion in the list signifies the defeat of a significant stronghold, demonstrating Israel's ability, by divine power, to overcome formidable military obstacles. The conquest of Aphek would have been crucial for securing control over a particular region.
* **Lasharon (Hebrew, _La-Sharown'_):** This name likely refers to a city or region associated with the Plain of Sharon, a fertile coastal plain in ancient Israel renowned for its agricultural productivity. While the exact city is not as definitively identified as some other locations, its king's defeat is equally significant. It indicates the breadth of Israel's conquest, extending beyond mere strongholds to encompass economically vital and populous areas, thereby establishing comprehensive dominion over the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king of Aphek, one;":** This clause identifies a specific ruler and his city-state, Aphek, which was likely a fortified and strategically important location. The numeral "one" serves as a precise accounting marker, adding this defeated king to the running tally of conquered enemies. This meticulous record emphasizes the systematic nature of the conquest and the complete subjugation of each independent entity, leaving no major power unchallenged.
* **"the king of Lasharon, one;":** Similarly, this clause names another specific ruler and his domain, Lasharon, which was probably situated in or near the fertile Plain of Sharon. The repeated "one" reinforces the individual defeat and counting of each king. Its inclusion demonstrates the comprehensive scope of Israel's victories, extending across diverse geographical and strategic areas of Canaan, thereby solidifying their claim to the entire Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 12:18, as part of the larger chapter, primarily employs the literary device of a **Catalog** or **List**. This comprehensive enumeration of defeated kings serves as a formal, irrefutable record of God's faithfulness and Israel's success in possessing the land. The **Repetition** of the numeral "one" after each king's name creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the individual defeat of each sovereign entity and contributing to the cumulative impact of the total number of conquests. This repetition underscores the thoroughness of the campaign and the complete subjugation of the Canaanite powers. Furthermore, the phrase "the king of Aphek" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "the king" stands in for the entire city-state and its military power, indicating that the defeat of the ruler signified the complete subjugation of his domain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:18, though a brief entry in a list, powerfully reinforces the overarching biblical theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous record of each defeated king, including those from Aphek and Lasharon, serves as concrete evidence that God was actively working to fulfill His ancient pledge to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants. This conquest was not merely a territorial expansion but the execution of divine judgment against the inhabitants of Canaan, whose iniquity had reached its full measure, as foretold in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). The comprehensive nature of these victories, as detailed in Joshua 12, demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His ability to overcome any obstacle to accomplish His purposes. It foreshadows God's ultimate victory over all opposition, both physical and spiritual, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy the Nations")
* [Numbers 33:50-56](/numbers/33-50 "Numbers 33:50-56 - Instructions for Conquering Canaan")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list in Joshua 12:18 carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is meticulously faithful to His word, fulfilling every promise down to the smallest detail. Just as He systematically conquered every king and city-state to secure the Promised Land for Israel, so too does He work with precision and thoroughness in our lives. This passage encourages us to trust in God's unfailing promises, even when the path to their fulfillment seems long, challenging, or fraught with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It reminds us that our victories, whether over personal sin, difficult circumstances, or spiritual strongholds, are ultimately His work, not ours, and are achieved through His power when we walk in obedience. The detailed record of these ancient conquests inspires confidence that the God who delivered Israel is the same God who will deliver us and fulfill His purposes for His people today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed record of God's faithfulness in Joshua 12:18 strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life, especially when facing seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what areas of your life are you facing "strongholds" (like Aphek) or challenges that seem insurmountable? How can reflecting on God's comprehensive victory in Joshua encourage you to rely on His power?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of obedience in experiencing God's promised blessings and victories, both personally and corporately?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a detailed list of kings included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of a detailed list of thirty-one defeated kings in Joshua 12, including those from Aphek and Lasharon, serves several crucial purposes. First, it functions as irrefutable historical proof of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and Israel. It demonstrates that God kept His word to give them the land. Second, it underscores the comprehensiveness of the conquest, showing that Israel truly possessed the land God had given them, not just a few scattered territories. The sheer number of conquered city-states emphasizes the totality of the victory and the dismantling of Canaanite power. Finally, the list highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, reinforcing the message that it was the Lord who fought for Israel ([Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "Joshua 10:42 - The LORD Fought for Israel")), not merely their military might.

**Are Aphek and Lasharon significant locations?**

Answer: While not as widely known as cities like Jericho or Ai, the inclusion of Aphek and Lasharon in this list is significant. Aphek, meaning "fortress" or "strength," likely refers to one of several strategic, fortified cities of that name. Its defeat indicates the overcoming of a strong military outpost, vital for securing control over a region. Lasharon, possibly connected to the fertile Plain of Sharon, signifies the conquest of agriculturally rich and populous areas. Their defeat, alongside the other twenty-nine kings, demonstrates the breadth and depth of Israel's dominion over the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to give them the entire territory, from strategic strongholds to fertile plains.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly conquest of Canaan, meticulously cataloged in Joshua 12:18 and the surrounding verses, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual conquest achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua, whose name means "Yahweh saves," led Israel to defeat earthly kings and possess a physical land, so Christ, the greater Joshua, leads His people to victory over far more formidable spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil. The comprehensive nature of the victories over the kings of Aphek and Lasharon points to the total and decisive triumph of Christ 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 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His resurrection and ascension, Jesus has been exalted far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Authority Over All Rule")). Believers, united with Christ, are now heirs to a spiritual kingdom and a heavenly inheritance, a reality that far surpasses the physical land of Canaan ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The faithfulness of God in delivering the land to Israel is a testament to His unwavering commitment to His ultimate redemptive plan, culminating in the eternal 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.

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

1 Samuel 4:1

¶ And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.

Isaiah 33:9

The earth mourneth [and] languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed [and] hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off [their fruits].

Joshua 19:30

Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.

Joshua 13:4

From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that [is] beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites: