TRV
Translation
King James Version
The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;
Complete Jewish Bible
the king of Dor in the region of Dor, the king of Goyim in the Gilgal, and
American Standard Version
the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;
World English Bible Messianic
the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;
Geneva Bible (1599)
The King of Dor, in the countrey of Dor, one: the King of the nations of Gilgal, one:
Young's Literal Translation
The king of Dor, at the elevation of Dor, one; The king of the Goyim of Gilgal, one;
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In the KJVVerse 6,154 of 31,102
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Commentary on Joshua 12 verses 7–24
7 ¶ And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;
8 In the mountains, and in the valleys, and in the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilderness, and in the south country; the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:
9 The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one;
10 The king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one;
11 The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;
12 The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;
13 The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;
14 The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;
15 The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;
16 The king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one;
17 The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;
18 The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;
19 The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;
20 The king of Shimronmeron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;
21 The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;
22 The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;
23 The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;
24 The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one.
We have here a breviate of Joshua's conquests.
I. The limits of the country he conquered. It lay between Jordan on the east and the Mediterranean Sea on the west, and extended from Baal-gad near Lebanon in the north to Halak, which lay upon the country of Edom in the south, v. 7. The boundaries are more largely described, Num 34:2, etc. But what is here said is enough to show that God had been as good as his word, and had given them possession of all he had promised them by Moses, if they would but have kept it.
II. The various kinds of land that were found in this country, which contributed both to its pleasantness and to its fruitfulness, Jos 12:8. There were mountains, not craggy, and rocky, and barren, which are frightful to the traveller and useless to the inhabitants, but fruitful hills, such as put forth precious things (Deu 33:15), which charmed the spectator's eye and filled the owner's hand. And valleys, not mossy and boggy, but covered with corn, Psa 65:13. There were plains, and springs to water them; and even in that rich land there were wildernesses too, or forests, which were not so thickly inhabited as other parts, yet had towns and houses in them, but served as foils to set off the more pleasant and fruitful countries.
III. The several nations that had been in possession of this country - Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, etc., all of them descended from Canaan, the accursed son of Ham, Gen 10:15-18. Seven nations they are called (Deu 7:1), and so many are there reckoned up, but here six only are mentioned, the Girgashites being either lost or left out, though we find them, Gen 10:16 and Gen 15:21. Either they were incorporated with some other of these nations, or, as the tradition of the Jews is, upon the approach of Israel under Joshua they all withdrew and went into Africa, leaving their country to be possessed by Israel, with whom they saw it was to no purpose to contend, and therefore they are not named among the nations that Joshua subdued.
IV. A list of the kings that were conquered and subdued by the sword of Israel, some in the field, others in their own cities, thirty-one in all, and very particularly named and counted, it should seem, in the order in which they were conquered; for the catalogue begins with the kings of Jericho and Ai, then takes in the king of Jerusalem and the princes of the south that were in confederacy with him, and then proceeds to those of the northern association. Now, 1. This shows what a very fruitful country Canaan then was, which could support so many kingdoms, and in which so many kings chose to throng together rather than disperse themselves into other countries, which we may suppose not yet inhabited, but where, though they might find more room, they could not expect such plenty and pleasure: this was the land God spied out for Israel; and yet at this day it is one of the most barren, despicable, and unprofitable countries in the world: such is the effect of the curse it lies under, since its possessors rejected Christ and his gospel, as was foretold by Moses, Deu 29:23. 2. It shows what narrow limits men's ambition was then confined to. These kings contented themselves with the government, each of them, of one city and the towns and villages that pertained to it; and no one of them, for aught that appears, aimed to make himself master of the rest, but, when there was occasion, all united for the common safety. Yet it should seem that what was wanting in the extent of their territories was made up in the absoluteness of their power, their subjects being all their tenants and vassals, and entirely at their command. 3. It shows how good God was to Israel, in giving them victory over all these kings, and possession of all these kingdoms, and what obligations he hereby laid upon them to observe his statutes and to keep his laws, Psa 105:44, Psa 105:45. Here were thirty-one kingdoms, or seigniories, to be divided among nine tribes and a half of Israel. Of these there fell to the lot of Judah the kingdoms of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon, Debir, Arad, Libnan, and Adullam, eight in all, besides part of the kingdom of Jerusalem and part of Geder. Benjamin had the kingdoms of Jericho, Ai, Jerusalem, Makkedah, Beth-el, and the nations of Gilgal, six in all. Simeon had the kingdom of Hormah and part of Geder. Ephraim had the kingdoms of Gezer and Tirzah. Manasseh (that half-tribe) had the kingdoms of Tappuah and Hepher, Taanach and Megiddo. Asher had the kingdoms of Aphek and Achshaph. Zebulun had the kingdoms of Lasharon, Shimron-meron, and Jokneam. Naphtali had the kingdoms of Madon, Hazor, and Kedesh. And Issachar had that of Dor. These were some of the great and famous kings that God smote, for his mercy endureth for ever; and gave their land for a heritage, even a heritage unto Israel his servant, for his mercy endureth for ever, Psa 136:17, etc.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–24. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6.21-22
And if “a wise man shall understand the words from his own mouth and shall hear knowledge on his lips,” we must either declare rashly that the prophets were not wise, if they have not understood “the words from their own mouth,” or admit that the prophets were wise, because they have received what is correct and true and have understood “the words from their own mouth” and borne knowledge on their lips. It is clear that Moses saw in his mind the truth of the law and the allegorical meanings related to the anagogical sense of the stories he recorded, and that Joshua understood the true distribution of land which took place after the overthrow of the twenty-nine kings, since he could see better than us that the things accomplished through himself were shadows of certain realities.
Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 19.8
Whoever believes in me will also do the works which I do, and will do even greater ones. And where is this word which he said, “The disciple is not greater than his master” [illustrated]? For example, Moses killed only three kings, but Joshua killed thirty. [Moses] persevered in prayer, made supplication, but did not enter [the promised land]. It was Joshua rather who entered and shared out the inheritance. Likewise, Samuel was greater than Eli, and Elisha received a double portion of his master’s spirit after his ascension, like the Lord our Savior, for his disciples effected twice through their signs.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 12:23 serves as a pivotal concluding statement in the comprehensive catalog of thirty-one Canaanite kings decisively defeated by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. This verse specifically names the king of Dor and the king of the nations of Gilgal, thereby completing the meticulous record of divine victory. It stands as a powerful testament to the thoroughness and divine orchestration of the conquest, marking the definitive completion of the military phase before the subsequent distribution of the promised land among the tribes of Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 12:23, within the broader context of Joshua 12, primarily employs Listing and Repetition as its central literary devices. The entire chapter functions as a meticulous Listing of names and places, serving as a comprehensive and authoritative record. This extensive enumeration emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the conquest, leaving no doubt about the vast extent of Israel's divinely orchestrated victory. The Repetition of "one" after each king or entity (e.g., "the king of Dor... one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;") creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect. This repetitive counting reinforces the systematic nature of the divine judgment executed through Israel and underscores the definitive and undeniable nature of each individual victory. Furthermore, the chapter as a whole functions as a Summary, consolidating the achievements of the preceding conquest narratives into a concise and authoritative record, providing a definitive closure to the military phase of the land's acquisition.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:23, as part of this comprehensive chapter, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power. The meticulous enumeration of defeated kings is far more than a mere historical record; it is a profound testament to the fulfillment of divine promises made centuries earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It demonstrates unequivocally that God is true to His word, empowering His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and inherit the land He promised. This detailed accounting reinforces the idea that the conquest was not a human endeavor alone, but a divinely orchestrated campaign, validating Israel's claim to the land and their identity as God's chosen people. It teaches us that God's plans are comprehensive, extending to every detail, and that He works through specific, tangible actions in history to bring about His ultimate purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a historical record of ancient warfare, Joshua 12:23 (and the entire chapter) offers timeless lessons for believers today. It powerfully reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to His promises. Just as He empowered Israel to overcome formidable enemies and claim their inheritance, He equips us to face our own spiritual battles and challenges. The comprehensive nature of Israel's victory can be a profound encouragement that God's plans for our lives are thorough and that He is able to bring about complete triumph over obstacles when we walk in obedience and faith, trusting in His divine power. This passage calls us to reflect on the "giants" in our own lives—whether they be deeply ingrained sins, paralyzing fears, crippling doubts, or overwhelming external pressures. It compels us to remember that the same omnipotent God who delivered Israel is active and powerful in our lives today, working on our behalf. Our ultimate victory is assured not by our own limited strength or strategic prowess, but by His boundless faithfulness and sovereign might.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of listing these specific kings like Dor and the nations of Gilgal?
Answer: The significance lies in demonstrating the thoroughness and geographical breadth of Israel's conquest. Dor was a key coastal city, and "the nations of Gilgal" indicates a confederation of peoples, showing that Israel's victories extended beyond just major inland cities to various strategic and tribal regions. This meticulous listing, found in Joshua 12, confirms that God's promise to give Israel the entire land of Canaan was being fulfilled comprehensively, leaving no major power undefeated in the initial phase of the conquest. It serves as a definitive record of divine faithfulness and Israel's rightful inheritance.
Is this "Gilgal" the same as the famous Gilgal near Jericho, which served as Israel's primary camp?
Answer: No, it is generally understood that the "Gilgal" mentioned in Joshua 12:23 is distinct from the well-known Gilgal near Jericho (e.g., Joshua 4:19). The Gilgal near Jericho was Israel's primary base camp after crossing the Jordan River, a significant site for covenant renewal and preparation for battle. The "Gilgal" associated with "the king of the nations" here likely refers to a different location, possibly further north or east in the Jordan Valley, associated with a confederation of non-Israelite peoples. While its exact location is debated among scholars, its distinction from the primary camp is widely accepted.
Why does Joshua 12 provide such a detailed list of conquered kings?
Answer: The detailed list in Joshua 12 serves multiple crucial purposes. Theologically, it is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to give the land to Israel (Genesis 15:18-21). Historically, it functions as a legal and administrative document, validating Israel's claim to the land they now possessed by divine right and conquest. It also underscores the completeness of the initial conquest, demonstrating that the major powers opposing Israel had been decisively defeated, paving the way for the tribal distribution of the land in subsequent chapters, beginning with Joshua 13. This meticulous record would have been vital for future generations of Israelites to understand their heritage and God's mighty acts on their behalf.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The conquest narratives in Joshua, culminating in the comprehensive list of defeated kings in Joshua 12, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua, whose name means "the Lord saves," led Israel to conquer earthly enemies and inherit a physical land, Jesus, the greater Joshua (Yeshua in Hebrew), leads His people in a spiritual conquest, securing for them an eternal inheritance. The defeat of the thirty-one kings in Canaan profoundly foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. Through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly (Colossians 2:15). He is the true King who has conquered all "nations" and authorities that stand in opposition to God's kingdom. Believers, united with Christ through faith, are now heirs to a heavenly inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled (Ephesians 1:11; 1 Peter 1:4). We are called to live in the victory He has already secured, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:12) and to proclaim His dominion. The "rest from war" that Israel experienced in the land (Joshua 11:23) beautifully points to the eternal rest and profound peace found only in Christ, who has brought ultimate salvation and established His everlasting kingdom, into which His people are invited to enter (Hebrews 4:9-10).