Joshua 12:23

KJV

The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} of Dor {H1756} in the coast {H5299} of Dor {H1756}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of the nations {H1471} of Gilgal {H1537}, one {H259};

Complete Jewish Bible

the king of Dor in the region of Dor, the king of Goyim in the Gilgal, and

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Dor in Naphath-dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;

American Standard Version

the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 12:23 concludes the comprehensive catalog of thirty-one Canaanite kings defeated by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership, specifically naming the king of Dor and the king of the nations of Gilgal. This verse, therefore, serves as a final testament to the thoroughness and divine orchestration of the conquest, marking the completion of the military phase before the land's distribution among the tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 12:23 is the penultimate verse in a chapter dedicated entirely to summarizing Israel's military victories in Canaan. The chapter is meticulously structured, first listing the kings conquered by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River ([Joshua 12:1-6](/joshua/12-1 "Joshua 12:1-6 - Kings Conquered by Moses")), and then detailing the kings defeated by Joshua on the west side ([Joshua 12:7-24](/joshua/12-7 "Joshua 12:7-24 - Kings Conquered by Joshua")). This comprehensive list follows the narrative of the main conquest campaigns, which culminated in the declaration that "the land rested from war" ([Joshua 11:23](/joshua/11-23 "Joshua 11:23 - The Land Rests From War")). The inclusion of Dor and "the nations of Gilgal" highlights the broad geographical scope of Israel's divinely assisted victories, extending from the northern coastal plains to various inland regions, thereby confirming the fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Canaan was characterized by a multitude of independent city-states, each ruled by its own king. These kings often formed alliances or confederations, as suggested by "the king of the nations of Gilgal." Dor, located on the Mediterranean coast south of Mount Carmel, was a significant ancient port city and a strategic stronghold, indicating Israel's expansion towards the vital coastal regions. The term "nations" (Hebrew: *goyim*) often referred to non-Israelite peoples or tribal groups, suggesting that the "king of the nations of Gilgal" ruled over a coalition rather than a single city. The conquest involved dispossessing these established rulers and their peoples, a task that required both military prowess and divine intervention, given the formidable nature of Canaanite defenses and armies. This historical record served to legitimize Israel's claim to the land in the eyes of future generations.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 12, culminating in verses like [Joshua 12:23](/joshua/12-23 "Joshua 12:23 - The King of Dor and Gilgal"), powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness** in fulfilling God's ancient promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram")) and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan. Every king listed represents an obstacle overcome by God's power, not merely Israel's strength. Secondly, the chapter emphasizes **Total Victory and Authority**. By defeating these powerful Canaanite kings, Israel established its authority over the promised land, paving the way for its distribution among the tribes. This was a decisive victory orchestrated by God, not a partial one. Thirdly, the detailed record provides **Historical Validation** for ancient Israel, confirming their rightful inheritance and the divine hand in their establishment as a nation. It solidified their identity as God's chosen people and a testament to His covenant loyalty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dor (Hebrew, _dôr'_):** A significant ancient city located on the Mediterranean coast, south of Mount Carmel. Its strategic position as a port city and stronghold made its conquest particularly noteworthy, indicating Israel's reach towards the vital coastal plains. While its defeat is listed here, full Israelite control over coastal cities like Dor often came later in the period of the Judges or the monarchy.
* **Nations (Hebrew, גּוֹיִם, _gôyim'_):** This plural noun typically refers to non-Israelite peoples or ethnic groups, often translated as "Gentiles" or "peoples." In this context, "the king of the nations of Gilgal" suggests a ruler over a confederation or coalition of various tribal groups or smaller city-states rather than a single urban center. This implies a broader, more complex military engagement than a simple city-state conquest.
* **Gilgal (Hebrew, גִּלְגָּל, _gilgāl'_):** This is distinct from the famous Gilgal near Jericho, which served as Israel's primary camp and staging ground. The "Gilgal" mentioned here is likely a different locality, perhaps further north or east in the Jordan Valley, associated with the "nations" or *goyim*. Its identification remains debated among scholars, but its inclusion signifies the diverse geographical spread of Israel's conquests.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one;":** This clause identifies a specific, powerful urban center on the Mediterranean coast and its ruler. The repetition of "Dor" (city and coast) emphasizes its geographical location and significance. The "one" (אֶחָד, _’eḥād_) signifies that this king counts as a single, distinct victory in the overall tally of defeated rulers, underscoring the methodical accounting of the conquest.
* **"the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;":** This clause names another defeated ruler, but with a crucial distinction: he is "the king of the nations of Gilgal." This suggests a ruler whose authority extended over a confederacy of peoples or tribes linked to a locality named Gilgal, rather than just a single city. Again, "one" marks this as a single, distinct entity in the list of thirty-one vanquished kings, highlighting the diverse nature of the enemies Israel encountered and overcame.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 12:23, within the broader context of [Joshua 12](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings"), primarily employs **Listing** and **Repetition** as literary devices. The entire chapter is a meticulous list of names and places, serving as a comprehensive record. This **Listing** emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the conquest, leaving no doubt about the extent of Israel's 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, reinforcing the systematic nature of the divine judgment executed through Israel. This repetitive counting underscores the definitive and undeniable nature of each victory. Furthermore, the chapter 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 the broader chapter, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power. The meticulous enumeration of defeated kings is not merely a historical record; it is a testament to the fulfillment of divine promises made centuries earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It demonstrates 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 and that He works through specific, tangible actions in history to bring about His purposes.

* [Numbers 33:53](/numbers/33-53 "Numbers 33:53 - Dispossessing the Inhabitants")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy Nations")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a historical record of ancient warfare, Joshua 12:23 (and the entire chapter) offers timeless lessons for believers today. It 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 an 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 sin, fear, doubt, or external pressures—and to remember that the same God who delivered Israel is active and powerful in our lives today. Our victory is assured not by our strength, but by His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed listing of defeated kings in Joshua 12 reinforce your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **What "giants" or obstacles in your life feel insurmountable, and how can the comprehensive nature of Israel's victory encourage you in those struggles?**
* **In what ways does this historical account challenge you to trust more fully in God's power rather than your own efforts?**

### 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 coalition of peoples, showing that Israel's victories extended beyond just major inland cities to various strategic and tribal regions. This meticulous listing 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](/joshua/12-23 "Joshua 12:23 - The King of Dor and Gilgal") is distinct from the well-known Gilgal near Jericho (e.g., [Joshua 4:19](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19 - Israel Camps at Gilgal")). The Gilgal near Jericho was Israel's base camp after crossing the Jordan. 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. The exact location is debated, but 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](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings") 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](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abram")). Historically, it functions as a legal and administrative document, validating Israel's claim to the land they now possessed. 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 ([Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land to be Allotted")). 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](/joshua/12 "Joshua 12 - List of Conquered Kings"), find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer earthly enemies and inherit a physical land, Jesus, the greater Joshua (Hebrew: Yeshua, meaning "the Lord saves"), leads His people in a spiritual conquest, securing for them an eternal inheritance. The defeat of the thirty-one kings in Canaan foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true King who has conquered all "nations" and authorities that stand in opposition to God's kingdom. Believers, united with Christ, are now heirs to a heavenly inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")) and are called to live in the victory He has already secured, empowered by the Spirit to overcome spiritual adversaries ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle is Not Against Flesh and Blood")). The rest from war that Israel experienced in the land ([Joshua 11:23](/joshua/11-23 "Joshua 11:23 - The Land Rests From War")) points to the eternal rest and peace found only in Christ, who has brought ultimate salvation and established His everlasting kingdom ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains")).

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 11:2

And to the kings that [were] on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,

Joshua 5:9

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.

Joshua 5:10

¶ And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

Genesis 14:1

¶ And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

Genesis 14:2

[That these] made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.

Isaiah 9:1

¶ Nevertheless the dimness [shall] not [be] such as [was] in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict [her by] the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

Joshua 17:11

And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.