Joshua 12:20

KJV

The king of Shimronmeron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} of Shimronmeron {H8112}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of Achshaph {H407}, one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

the king of Shimron-M'ron, the king of Akhshaf,

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;

American Standard Version

the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:20 is a concise but profoundly significant verse within a comprehensive roll call of 31 kings conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. This chapter serves as a powerful summary, demonstrating the meticulous extent of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel regarding the land of Canaan, specifically naming the kings of Shimronmeron and Achshaph as two more vanquished rulers in the northern campaign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 12 functions as a grand summary and concluding statement to the conquest narratives (chapters 1-11), meticulously listing the kings defeated both east (vv. 1-6) and west (vv. 7-24) of the Jordan River. Joshua 12:20 specifically falls within the latter section, enumerating individual rulers from the northern campaign, particularly those associated with the decisive Battle of Merom, detailed in [Joshua 11](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - The Northern Campaign"). This comprehensive enumeration not only highlights the scale of Israel's victory but also serves as a transition point, setting the stage for the subsequent division of the land among the tribes in chapters 13-21, underscoring the fulfillment of divine promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Canaan, was characterized by numerous independent city-states, each governed by its own "king" (often more akin to a chieftain or local ruler). These rulers frequently formed alliances for military defense, as exemplified by the northern coalition led by Jabin of Hazor, which included the kings of Shimronmeron and Achshaph ([Joshua 11:1-5](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1-5 - Northern Coalition Against Israel")). The systematic defeat of these individual kings by Israel was not merely a territorial expansion but a divinely mandated act of judgment against the pervasive idolatry, moral depravity, and abhorrent practices (such as child sacrifice) prevalent among the Canaanite nations, as commanded by God in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Dispossess Nations").

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 12:20, within its broader chapter, powerfully reinforces several core themes central to the book of Joshua. Foremost is **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to Abraham ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")) and reiterated to Joshua ([Joshua 1:3-5](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3-5 - God's Promise to Joshua")). The meticulous listing of each king emphasizes the **Completeness of Victory** and God's **Sovereignty** over all earthly powers, illustrating that no foe, however formidable, could withstand His will. Furthermore, it highlights **Divine Judgment** against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations, portraying the conquest as a righteous act of purging the land of its defilement and preparing it for God's holy people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term refers to the ruler of a city-state, typically possessing both military and civil authority. The repeated mention of "king" for each city emphasizes that Israel decisively defeated the established political and military leadership of Canaan, signifying the dismantling of the existing power structures and the comprehensive nature of the conquest.
* **One (Hebrew, _'echad'_):** While seemingly simple, "one" here functions as a numerical tally, emphasizing that each individual king was conquered. It underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of God's work through Joshua, ensuring that every significant stronghold and its ruler was accounted for and overcome, leaving no enemy unvanquished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king of Shimronmeron, one;":** This clause identifies one of the specific city-state rulers defeated by Israel. Shimronmeron was a significant city in the northern coalition, and its king's defeat signifies the successful subjugation of a key northern stronghold, contributing to the overall victory detailed in [Joshua 11](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - The Northern Campaign"). The appended "one" serves as a precise accounting of this individual victory, reinforcing the thoroughness of the conquest.
* **"the king of Achshaph, one;":** Similarly, this clause names another specific ruler from the powerful northern Canaanite alliance. Achshaph was also a prominent city in the north, and its king's inclusion in this list further demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the Israelite conquest, leaving no significant enemy unvanquished. The repetition of "one" reinforces the methodical and complete nature of the divine judgment and territorial acquisition.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 12:20, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Cataloging** or **Enumeration**. This systematic listing of defeated kings serves to emphasize the sheer scale, completeness, and meticulousness of Israel's victory. The repetitive structure, "the king of [city], one," creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, reinforcing the thoroughness of the conquest and the divine hand behind each triumph. It functions as a powerful **Summary Statement**, providing a concise and impactful recapitulation of the preceding narrative of conquest. The meticulous detail of naming each king, even in a seemingly dry list, underscores the divine faithfulness in every victory and the fulfillment of every promise, transforming what could be mere historical record into a profound testament of God's power and commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:20, as part of this comprehensive list, powerfully illustrates God's absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign power over all earthly kingdoms. The defeat of these kings, including those of Shimronmeron and Achshaph, was not merely a military triumph but a divinely orchestrated act of judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations and a fulfillment of the land promise made to Abraham's descendants. This meticulous accounting underscores that God's work is thorough and complete, leaving no stone unturned in bringing about His redemptive and judgmental purposes. It serves as a testament to the truth that when God makes a promise, He is utterly reliable to bring it to pass.

* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - God's Command to Destroy Nations")
* [Numbers 33:50-56](/numbers/33-50 "Numbers 33:50-56 - Command to Dispossess the Land")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 12:20, though a brief line in a lengthy list, serves as a profound reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. Just as He meticulously ensured the defeat of every king and the possession of every promised territory for Israel, so too can believers today trust in His thoroughness and commitment to His Word. This passage encourages us to reflect on the "kings" or strongholds in our own lives—whether they be deeply entrenched sins, overwhelming fears, persistent doubts, or external pressures—and to recognize that through Christ, we are empowered to overcome them. It calls us to rely not on our own strength, but on the sovereign power of God, who orchestrates complete victories for His people. The meticulous accounting of each king also invites us to consider the detailed nature of God's work in our lives, often working in ways we may not fully perceive until the "summary" of His faithfulness is revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "kings" or strongholds in your life do you need to surrender to God for Him to conquer?**
* **How does the thoroughness of God's work in Joshua's time encourage you regarding His work in your own life?**
* **In what areas are you tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's sovereign power for victory?**

### FAQ
**Why does the text list "one" after each king?**

Answer: The term "one" (Hebrew: *'echad'*) in this context functions as a simple numerical tally or counter. It emphasizes that each named king represents a distinct, individual victory for Israel. This repetitive structure underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the conquest, ensuring that every significant city-state ruler in the Promised Land was accounted for and defeated, leaving no enemy unconquered in the territories allotted to Israel. It highlights the completeness of God's work through Joshua, confirming that the divine mandate was thoroughly executed across the land ([Joshua 11:23](/joshua/11-23 "Joshua 11:23 - Joshua Took the Whole Land")).

**What was the significance of Shimronmeron and Achshaph?**

Answer: Shimronmeron and Achshaph were significant Canaanite city-states located in the northern part of the land, specifically mentioned as part of the powerful northern coalition that gathered to fight Israel under the leadership of Jabin, king of Hazor ([Joshua 11:1-5](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1-5 - Northern Coalition Against Israel")). Their defeat, detailed in the northern campaign ([Joshua 11](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - The Northern Campaign")), was crucial for Israel to secure control over the northern territories and fulfill God's command to dispossess the Canaanites. Their inclusion in this list of conquered kings signifies the comprehensive nature of Israel's victory across the entire land of Canaan, demonstrating that even the most formidable northern alliances could not stand against the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 12:20, with its dry enumeration of defeated kings, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate 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 spiritual adversaries. The listing of 31 vanquished kings in Joshua 12 foreshadows the comprehensive and decisive victory of Christ over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King who conquers all "kings" of spiritual bondage, delivering His people not into an earthly inheritance, but into an eternal one, secured by His perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant")). The meticulous accounting of each defeated king in Joshua points to the perfect and complete work of Christ, who leaves no enemy unconquered, ensuring that all who are in Him are more than conquerors through Him who loved us ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard [those things], that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

Joshua 19:25

And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,

Joshua 19:15

And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.