Joshua 12:22

KJV

The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} of Kedesh {H6943}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of Jokneam {H3362} of Carmel {H3760}, one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

the king of Kedesh, the king of Yokne'am in Karmel,

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one;

American Standard Version

the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:22 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, forming an integral part of the comprehensive summary of defeated Canaanite kings in the Book of Joshua. It meticulously enumerates the kings of Kedesh and Jokneam of Carmel, each counted as "one," thereby underscoring the decisive and comprehensive nature of Israel's divinely ordained conquest. This detailed accounting serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and validating the historical reality of the land's transfer to Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua chapter 12 functions as a climactic summary, serving as a pivotal transition point within the Book of Joshua. Preceding this chapter are detailed accounts of specific military campaigns and victories, such as the miraculous fall of Jericho and Ai, and major battles in the southern and northern regions of Canaan. Chapter 12 retrospectively consolidates these triumphs, first listing the kings defeated by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River in [Joshua 12:1-6](/joshua/12-1-6 "Joshua 12:1-6 - Kings Defeated by Moses East of Jordan"), and then meticulously enumerating the thirty-one kings vanquished by Joshua on the west side, as detailed in [Joshua 12:7-24](/joshua/12-7-24 "Joshua 12:7-24 - Kings Defeated by Joshua West of Jordan"). This comprehensive recapitulation not only emphasizes the totality of the conquest but also sets the stage for the subsequent division of the land among the Israelite tribes, highlighting that the prerequisite for inheritance—the thorough defeat of the land's inhabitants—has been fully met according to God's command.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Israelite conquest (typically dated to the Late Bronze Age, roughly late 15th or early 13th century BCE, depending on scholarly models) saw Canaan organized into a fragmented network of independent city-states. Each "king" (Hebrew: _melek_) was typically the ruler of a single fortified city and its immediate surrounding territory, exercising localized authority. Kedesh, mentioned in [Joshua 12:22](/joshua/12-22 "Joshua 12:22 - King of Kedesh"), was a prominent city-state in northern Galilee, strategically located and later designated as a Levitical city and a [city of refuge](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Kedesh as a City of Refuge") for unintentional manslayers. Jokneam of Carmel, also noted in the verse, was situated at the northern base of the Carmel mountain range, controlling a crucial pass through the Jezreel Valley into the Sharon Plain. Its strategic position made its capture vital for securing central Canaan. The systematic defeat of these individual city-states, as meticulously listed in [Joshua 12](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - Summary of Conquered Kings"), reflects the decentralized political landscape of Canaan and the methodical nature of Israel's military campaign, which involved conquering one stronghold after another to achieve complete dominion.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 12:22, within the broader context of Chapter 12, contributes significantly to several overarching themes of the Book of Joshua. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**. The detailed list of vanquished kings serves as irrefutable evidence that God kept His ancient promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan, first articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and reiterated throughout the Pentateuch. Secondly, the chapter powerfully illustrates **Total Victory and God's Sovereignty**. The repetition of "one" after each king's name emphasizes the comprehensiveness of Israel's triumph, signifying that no earthly power, however formidable, could stand against the Lord's divine plan. This highlights God's absolute control over nations and their rulers, demonstrating that He is the true orchestrator of history, fighting for His people as declared in [Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "Joshua 10:42 - The Lord Fought for Israel"). Finally, the meticulous enumeration provides **Historical Validation**, serving as a precise and verifiable record that substantiates the biblical narrative of the conquest and the subsequent transfer of the Promised Land to the Israelite tribes, solidifying the reality of these foundational events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **מֶלֶךְ (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This Hebrew term translates to "king" and refers to the ruler of a city-state. In the ancient Near East, particularly in Canaan during the Late Bronze Age, political power was decentralized, with numerous independent city-states, each governed by its own _melek_. These kings often controlled a small urban center and its immediate agricultural hinterland. The defeat of each _melek_ therefore signified the subjugation of an independent political entity, highlighting the fragmented nature of Canaanite resistance and the systematic dismantling of their power structure by the Israelites.
* **קֶדֶשׁ (Hebrew, _Qedesh'_):** From the root _qadash_, meaning "to be holy" or "to be set apart," this word literally means "a sanctum." As the name of a city, Kedesh was a prominent Canaanite stronghold in northern Galilee. Its name, potentially reflecting a sacred or set-apart status in Canaanite religion, underscores the spiritual dimension of the conquest—the Lord was reclaiming the land from pagan worship. Later, this city was indeed set apart by God as a Levitical city and a city of refuge, fulfilling a new, holy purpose under Israelite dominion.
* **אֶחָד (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** Meaning "one," "a single one," or "united," this word is repeated after the name of each defeated king throughout Joshua 12. Its repeated use creates a stark, almost statistical, tally. This simple yet powerful repetition emphasizes the individual defeat of each ruler and, by extension, each city-state. It underscores the comprehensiveness of the conquest—no king was left unconquered, no significant stronghold remained independent. This numerical precision reinforces the theme of total victory and the complete fulfillment of God's command to dispossess the inhabitants of the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king of Kedesh, one":** This clause precisely identifies one of the specific rulers defeated by Joshua. Kedesh was a significant Canaanite city in northern Galilee, strategically important and later designated as a Levitical city and a city of refuge. Its inclusion here signifies the geographical extent of Israel's conquest, reaching into the northern territories. The appended "one" confirms its individual subjugation, marking another distinct victory in the overall campaign and contributing to the cumulative tally of defeated kings.
* **"the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one":** This second clause names another defeated king, whose domain, Jokneam, was strategically located at the northern edge of the Carmel mountain range. This position allowed control over a vital pass through the Jezreel Valley, making its defeat crucial for securing Israel's control over central Canaan. The phrase "of Carmel" (from _Karmel_, meaning "fruitful field") further specifies its location, emphasizing the concrete reality of these conquests. The repetition of "one" after Jokneam's king, mirroring the previous phrase, reinforces the systematic and thorough nature of the conquest, tallying each independent victory that contributed to the grand total of thirty-one kings defeated by Joshua.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 12:22, as part of the larger enumeration in Chapter 12, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The meticulous listing of each defeated king, with the recurring phrase "one" (אֶחָד, _ʼechâd_) after each name, creates a cumulative effect that emphasizes the sheer scale and completeness of Israel's victories. This **Repetition** serves not merely as a statistical tally but as a powerful rhetorical device, reinforcing the idea of total conquest and the systematic dismantling of Canaanite power. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, functions as a **Testimony** or **Validation** of God's faithfulness and power. By providing a detailed, verifiable record of the defeated enemies, the text solidifies the historical veracity of the conquest and underscores the divine agency behind Israel's success. The dry, almost ledger-like presentation of names and numbers paradoxically amplifies the theological message: God's promises are concrete, His power is absolute, and His will is accomplished with precision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:22, by specifically naming two of the many defeated kings, serves as a microcosm of God's unwavering faithfulness and His absolute sovereignty over human history. The meticulous record of each vanquished ruler underscores that God's promises are not vague assurances but concrete realities that He brings to pass with precision and power. Just as He promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan, He systematically delivered it into their hands, demonstrating that no earthly power, however entrenched or formidable, can thwart His divine will. This chapter, therefore, stands as a monumental testament to God's covenant loyalty and His ability to fight on behalf of His people, securing victories that are beyond their natural capabilities. It powerfully illustrates that God is the true orchestrator of history, bringing His purposes to fruition regardless of the strength of human opposition.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "The Lord Fought for Israel")
* [Joshua 12:24](/joshua/12-24 "Total Number of Defeated Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical accounting of defeated kings in Joshua 12:22 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today, transcending its ancient context. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is faithful to His promises, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable. Just as He delivered Israel from powerful adversaries and gave them the Promised Land, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises in our lives, whether they pertain to provision, protection, or spiritual growth. This passage encourages us to view our challenges, our "giants," not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for God to display His power and faithfulness. It reminds us that our ultimate victory comes not from our strength or strategy, but from the Lord who fights for us. Therefore, we are called to walk in faith and obedience, knowing that the God who systematically defeated the kings of Canaan is the same God who empowers us to overcome the spiritual battles we face today, leading us into the "rest" and inheritance He has prepared for us through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life today?**
* **What "kings" or formidable obstacles in your life currently feel overwhelming, and how can remembering that "the Lord fought for Israel" shift your perspective and approach?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to step out in greater faith, trusting God to secure victory over challenges that seem beyond your own strength?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a detailed list of defeated kings, like those in Joshua 12:22, included in the Bible?**

Answer: The detailed enumeration of defeated kings in [Joshua 12](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - Summary of Conquered Kings"), including those mentioned in [Joshua 12:22](/joshua/12-22 "Joshua 12:22 - King of Kedesh and Jokneam"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides **historical validation** for the biblical account of the conquest. By naming specific rulers and their cities, the text offers a verifiable record of the events, underscoring their reality and demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the military campaign. Secondly, it powerfully demonstrates **God's unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant promises, particularly His pledge to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The comprehensive nature of the list proves that God fully delivered on His word. Thirdly, it highlights **God's absolute sovereignty** over nations and their rulers. The fact that thirty-one kings, representing independent city-states, were systematically defeated (as summarized in [Joshua 12:24](/joshua/12-24 "Joshua 12:24 - Total Number of Defeated Kings")) illustrates that no earthly power can stand against the divine will. Finally, it emphasizes the **total and decisive nature of the victory**, signaling that the land was indeed conquered and ready for distribution among the tribes, thus fulfilling the prerequisite for their inheritance and rest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The conquest recounted in Joshua, epitomized by the list of defeated kings in [Joshua 12](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - Summary of Conquered Kings"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose Hebrew name (Yeshua) is the same as Jesus, serves as a powerful type of Christ, leading God's people into their promised inheritance. While Joshua led Israel in a physical conquest over earthly kings, Jesus Christ achieved a far greater, spiritual conquest over the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. The meticulous tally of vanquished kings in Joshua foreshadows the comprehensiveness of Christ's victory on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Just as the kings of Canaan were "one" by "one" brought to nothing, so too did Christ, through His death and resurrection, "destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of Death and the Devil")). He is the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings")), whose victory is total and eternal, securing for His people not merely a physical land but an everlasting spiritual inheritance and freedom from the dominion of darkness, leading them into the true and eternal rest promised in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People").

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 19:37

And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

Joshua 21:32

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

Isaiah 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

Joshua 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

1 Samuel 25:2

¶ And [there was] a man in Maon, whose possessions [were] in Carmel; and the man [was] very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.

Joshua 19:11

And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that [is] before Jokneam;

Joshua 15:55

Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,