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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 12:1–6.
Joshua, or whoever else is the historian before he comes to sum up the new conquests Israel had made, in these verses receives their former conquests in Moses's time, under whom they became masters of the great and potent kingdoms of Sihon and Og. Note, Fresh mercies must not drown the remembrance of former mercies, nor must the glory of the present instruments of good to the church be suffered to eclipse and diminish the just honour of those who have gone before them, and who were the blessings and ornaments of their day. Joshua's services and achievements are confessedly great, but let not those under Moses be overlooked and forgotten, since God was the same who wrought both, and both put together proclaim him the Alpha and Omega of Israel's great salvation. Here is, 1. A description of this conquered country, the measure and bounds of it in general (Jos 12:1): From the river Arnon in the south, to Mount Hermon in the north. In particular, here is a description of the kingdom of Sihon (Jos 12:2, Jos 12:3), and that of Og, Jos 12:4, Jos 12:5. Moses had described this country very particularly (Deu 2:36; Deu 3:4, etc.), and this description here agrees with his. King Og is said to dwell at Ashtaroth and Edrei (Jos 12:4), probably because they were both his royal cities; he had palaces in both, and resided sometimes in one and sometimes in the other; one perhaps was his summer seat and the other his winter seat. But Israel took both from him, and made one grave to serve him that could not be content with one palace. 2. The distribution of this country. Moses assigned it to the two tribes and a half, at their request, and divided it among them (Jos 12:6), of which we had the story at large, Num. 32. The dividing of it when it was conquered by Moses is here mentioned as an example to Joshua what he must do now that he had conquered the country on this side Jordan. Moses, in his time, gave to one part of Israel a very rich and fruitful country, but it was on the outside of Jordan; but Joshua gave to all Israel the holy land, the mountain of God's sanctuary, within Jordan: so the law conferred upon some few of God's spiritual Israel external temporal blessings, which were earnests of good things to come; but our Lord Jesus, the true Joshua, has provided for all the children of promise spiritual blessings - the privileges of the sanctuary, and the heavenly Canaan. The triumphs and grants of the law were glorious, but those of the gospel far exceed in glory.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
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.
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.
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Summary
Joshua 12:6 serves as a pivotal summary within the book of Joshua, meticulously recounting the decisive military victories achieved by Moses, the esteemed servant of the LORD, and the children of Israel over the Amorite and Bashanite kings east of the Jordan River. This verse then details the subsequent, divinely ordained allocation of this conquered territory as a permanent possession to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, thereby bridging the foundational work of Moses with the ongoing conquest and land distribution under Joshua.
Context
Literary Context
Joshua 12 functions as a comprehensive recapitulation, consolidating the military achievements of Israel under both Moses and Joshua. This chapter acts as a grand summary, listing all the kings defeated and territories subdued, thereby concluding the narrative of conquest (chapters 1-11) before transitioning into the detailed accounts of land distribution (chapters 13-21). Specifically, this verse serves as a crucial retrospective, drawing attention back to the significant conquests made by Moses and the Israelites before the main campaign in Canaan west of the Jordan. It highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that the successes under Joshua are built upon the foundational victories and divine directives established through Moses. This verse underscores the complete fulfillment of God's promise to grant Israel the land, acknowledging both the initial stages and the subsequent phases of the inheritance.
Historical & Cultural Context
The conquests referenced in this verse pertain to the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, as extensively documented in Numbers 21:21-35. These victories secured the fertile and strategically important Transjordanian plateau. The subsequent allocation of this land to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh was not an arbitrary decision but a pre-agreed arrangement, as detailed in Numbers 32. These tribes had requested this territory due to its suitability for their large livestock, on the condition that their fighting men would cross the Jordan with the rest of Israel and participate fully in the conquest of Canaan proper. This arrangement highlights the pragmatic and covenantal aspects of Israel's tribal structure and land inheritance, balancing individual tribal needs with national unity and obedience to God's command.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores Divine Faithfulness to God's covenant promises, particularly the pledge to Abraham regarding the land, as seen in Genesis 15:18. The fact that Moses, God's servant, successfully initiated the conquest and distribution signifies that God was actively fulfilling His word. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the Continuity of God's Plan and Leadership. By explicitly mentioning Moses, the "servant of the LORD," it links the foundational work of the Exodus generation to the current generation under Joshua, illustrating that God's overarching purpose transcends individual leaders. Thirdly, it highlights the theme of Conquest and Possession, demonstrating that the promised land was not merely given but had to be taken through divinely empowered military action, leading to the secure "possession" of the land as an inheritance. Finally, it touches upon Tribal Identity and Inheritance, showcasing how the unique needs and choices of specific tribes were accommodated within the larger divine plan for the nation of Israel, even as they settled outside the primary land of Canaan.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This title, "servant of the LORD" (‘ebed Yahweh), attributed to Moses, is a profound honorific throughout the Old Testament. It denotes a person chosen, called, and uniquely commissioned by God to fulfill His purposes. For Moses, it signifies his unparalleled intimacy with God (Numbers 12:7-8), his role as mediator of the covenant, and the divine authority underpinning all his actions, including the conquests and land distribution. The repetition of this title in the verse (and throughout the Pentateuch, e.g., Deuteronomy 34:5) serves to validate the legitimacy and divine backing of the events described.
The verb "smite" carries the strong connotation of a decisive, often fatal, blow or defeat. Derived from a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)," in a military context, as here, it signifies a complete routing and subjugation of an enemy. This is not merely a skirmish but a divinely enabled victory that utterly disarms and dispossesses the opposing forces. The use of nâkâh emphasizes the totality of the conquest and the overwhelming power of God working through Israel.
This term refers to an inheritance or a permanent, legally established possession, often specifically land. Derived from a root meaning "to occupy," it signifies "something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony." It carries significant theological weight, as the land was God's promised inheritance to Israel (Genesis 12:7). The act of "giving it for a possession" signifies a formal, irrevocable transfer of ownership, divinely sanctioned and legally binding, establishing the tribes' right to inhabit and control the territory. It moves beyond mere conquest to settled, rightful ownership.
Verse Breakdown
"Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite:"
This opening clause immediately establishes the agents and the action: Moses, acting under divine authority as "the servant of the LORD," along with the collective might of "the children of Israel," achieved a decisive military victory. The "them" refers to the kings and their territories east of the Jordan, specifically Sihon and Og, whose defeat was foundational to Israel's initial land claims. This highlights both divine leadership through Moses and human participation in the conquest.
"and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it [for] a possession"
This clause shifts from conquest to allocation. Following the military victory, Moses, again identified by his authoritative title, formally distributed the conquered territory. The KJV's "[for]" implies the purpose of the giving – it was given as a permanent inheritance. This act underscores Moses' role not just as a military leader but as a divinely appointed administrator, ensuring the fulfillment of God's promise for Israel to possess the land.
"unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh."
This final clause specifies the recipients of this eastern territory. These three tribes had made a special request to settle east of the Jordan due to their large herds, a request granted by Moses on the condition of their participation in the western conquest. Their specific mention here confirms the fulfillment of that prior agreement and highlights the unique arrangement for these tribes within the larger framework of Israel's inheritance.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Recapitulation and Emphasis through Repetition. As part of a summary chapter, this verse functions as a concise restatement of prior events (the Transjordanian conquests detailed in Numbers 21 and the land allocation in Numbers 32). This literary device serves to consolidate the narrative, ensuring that the reader understands the complete scope of Israel's divinely assisted victories. The phrase "Moses the servant of the LORD" is repeated within the single verse, serving as a powerful device of Emphasis. This repetition underscores Moses' pivotal role, his divine authority, and the continuity of God's plan. It validates the legitimacy of the conquests and the land distribution, signaling that these were not mere human endeavors but actions sanctioned and empowered by God through His chosen leader. The verse also implicitly uses Synecdoche, where "Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel" represents the entire nation acting under divine guidance, with Moses as the primary agent.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joshua 12:6, while a concise historical summary, is rich with theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the ancient pledge to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land (Genesis 15:18). The verse demonstrates that God's plan for Israel's inheritance was not contingent on a single leader but was a continuous, unfolding process, orchestrated by Him through various instruments. Moses' foundational work in securing the Transjordanian territory was an indispensable precursor to Joshua's subsequent campaigns, highlighting the divine orchestration of history and the interconnectedness of God's redemptive acts. The "possession" of the land was not merely a military acquisition but a fulfillment of divine decree, establishing Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people in their promised inheritance.
Reflection and Application
Joshua 12:6 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's grand purposes often unfold through a succession of faithful individuals, each building upon the work of those who came before. Just as Moses laid the groundwork for Joshua, our spiritual journeys and collective ministries are often built upon the faithful foundations established by past generations. This verse encourages us to honor and acknowledge the foundational work of others, recognizing that God's ultimate plan is far grander than any single individual's contribution. It speaks to the certainty of God's promises: what He begins, He will surely bring to completion, even if the means or timing differ from our expectations. We are called to be faithful in our assigned tasks, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, knowing that our efforts contribute to a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. Furthermore, the concept of "possession" reminds us that God's blessings and spiritual inheritance are not merely theoretical but are meant to be actively claimed and lived out in our lives, requiring both divine provision and human participation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Moses, rather than Joshua, highlighted in this verse, considering Joshua is the central figure of the book?
Joshua 12:6 highlights Moses to emphasize the continuity of God's plan and the foundational nature of Moses' work. While Joshua leads the main conquest of Canaan, the land east of the Jordan was conquered and distributed under Moses' direct leadership, as detailed in Numbers 21 and Numbers 32. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, demonstrating that the entire land inheritance, both east and west of the Jordan, was part of a single, divinely orchestrated plan initiated through Moses, "the servant of the LORD," and continued through Joshua. It validates the legitimacy of the Transjordanian settlement and underscores that Joshua's successes were built upon Moses' faithful obedience.
What was the significance of the land east of the Jordan being given to specific tribes?
The allocation of the Transjordanian territory to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it fulfilled a specific request made by these tribes, who had large herds and found the land suitable for grazing (Numbers 32:1-5). Secondly, it demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promise to provide land for all of Israel, even accommodating the unique needs of certain tribes. Thirdly, it established a precedent for tribal inheritance, which would be fully realized in the subsequent land divisions under Joshua. This arrangement, though distinct from the main Canaanite conquest, was part of the unified national effort, as these tribes committed to sending their fighting men across the Jordan to assist their brethren (Joshua 1:12-18).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joshua 12:6, by recounting the initial conquest and distribution of land under Moses, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and spiritual inheritance found in Christ. While Moses, the "servant of the LORD," faithfully led Israel to conquer the initial portion of the promised land, he himself could not lead them into the full rest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 34:4). This limitation points to the need for a greater leader, a true Joshua (Jesus' Hebrew name), who would bring God's people into their ultimate inheritance. Jesus, the perfect "servant of the LORD" (Isaiah 42:1), accomplished a far greater "smiting" – His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Through His decisive victory, He "gave it for a possession" to all who believe, not a physical plot of land, but an eternal spiritual inheritance in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3 and Ephesians 1:11). The "rest" that Israel sought in the land finds its true and lasting fulfillment in Christ, who is our ultimate rest and the one who leads us into the eternal kingdom of God (Hebrews 4:8-10). Thus, Joshua 12:6, a historical summary of earthly conquest, serves as a poignant type of the spiritual conquest and glorious inheritance secured for us by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.