TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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;
KJV (with Strong's)
And these are the kings H4428 of the country H776 which Joshua H3091 and the children H1121 of Israel H3478 smote H5221 on this side H5676 Jordan H3383 on the west H3220, from Baalgad H1171 in the valley H1237 of Lebanon H3844 even unto the mount H2022 Halak H2510, that goeth up H5927 to Seir H8165; which Joshua H3091 gave H5414 unto the tribes H7626 of Israel H3478 for a possession H3425 according to their divisions H4256;
Complete Jewish Bible
Following are the kings of the land whom Y'hoshua, with the people of Isra'el, defeated in the area west of the Yarden, between Ba'al-Gad in the L'vanon Valley and the bare mountain that goes up to Se'ir. Y'hoshua gave this land, inhabited by the Hitti, Emori, Kena'ani, P'rizi, Hivi and Y'vusi, to the tribes of Isra'el to possess, according to their divisions, in the hills, the Sh'felah, the 'Aravah, the mountain slopes, the desert and the Negev:
Berean Standard Bible
And these are the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered beyond the Jordan to the west, from Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir (according to the allotments to the tribes of Israel, Joshua gave them as an inheritance
American Standard Version
And these are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the children of Israel smote beyond the Jordan westward, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon even unto mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir (and Joshua gave it unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;
World English Bible Messianic
These are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the children of Israel struck beyond the Jordan westward, from Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon even to Mount Halak, that goes up to Seir. Joshua gave it to the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;
Geneva Bible (1599)
These also are the Kings of the countrey, which Ioshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Iorden, Westward, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon, euen vnto the mount Halak that goeth vp to Seir, and Ioshua gaue it vnto the tribes of Israel for a possession, according to their portions:
Young's Literal Translation
And these are kings of the land whom Joshua and the sons of Israel have smitten beyond the Jordan westward, from Baal-Gad, in the valley of Lebanon, and unto the mount of Halak, which is going up to Seir; and Joshua giveth it to the tribes of Israel--a possession according to their divisions;
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In the KJVVerse 6,138 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 12:7 serves as a pivotal summary, encapsulating the monumental military achievements of Joshua and the Israelite nation in conquering the vast territories west of the Jordan River. This verse not only delineates the extensive geographical scope of their victories, stretching from the northern reaches of Baalgad to the southern limits near Mount Halak and Seir, but also transitions the narrative from the period of conquest to the subsequent phase of land distribution, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in delivering the promised inheritance to His people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 12:7 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is Summary, as the verse concisely encapsulates the extensive military campaigns and their outcome, serving as a concluding statement to the conquest narrative. This summary is reinforced by Geographical Listing, which, though brief in this verse, sets the stage for the detailed enumeration of defeated kings and their locations in the verses that follow. The use of precise geographical markers like "Baalgad" and "Mount Halak" provides a sense of Verisimilitude and historical grounding, lending credibility to the narrative. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Transition, marking the crucial shift from the narrative of conquest (Joshua 1-11) to the subsequent phase of land distribution and settlement (Joshua 13-21). This transitional quality underscores the book's structured progression, moving from divine promise to military fulfillment and then to the establishment of the nation in its promised inheritance. The repetition of "Joshua" also highlights his central, divinely appointed leadership throughout both phases.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 12:7 is a profound testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign power to fulfill His promises. The detailed account of conquered kings and defined territories serves as irrefutable evidence that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is indeed the Lord of history, who actively intervenes to bring His redemptive plans to fruition. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record but a theological declaration that God keeps His word, even when the task seems insurmountable. The physical inheritance of the land foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, emphasizing that God's promises are always "yes" and "amen" in Him. The meticulous distribution of the land also speaks to God's orderly nature and His provision for each of His people, ensuring that every tribe received its rightful portion.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 12:7 reminds us that God is a promise-keeping God who faithfully brings His people into their inheritance. Just as He empowered Joshua and the Israelites to overcome formidable adversaries and possess the Promised Land, He equips believers today to navigate life's challenges and lay hold of the spiritual blessings and purposes He has prepared for us. This verse encourages us to trust in God's power to overcome obstacles, whether they are personal struggles, spiritual battles, or seemingly impossible circumstances. It underscores that our victories are ultimately His victories, achieved through His strength and faithfulness, not our own might. Recognizing the completion of God's work in one season of life, as Israel completed the conquest before settling the land, is crucial for moving forward into the next phase of our spiritual journey, embracing the "possession" of our unique calling and spiritual inheritance in Christ. It calls us to reflect on the areas where God has already given us victory and to anticipate His continued faithfulness in future endeavors.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is a list of defeated kings and specific geographical boundaries so important in this verse and chapter?
Answer: The meticulous enumeration of defeated kings and precise geographical boundaries in Joshua 12:7 and the surrounding verses serves several critical purposes. First, it provides irrefutable evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan (e.g., Genesis 15:18). The sheer number of kings (31 in total, as listed in Joshua 12:9-24) and the vast territory conquered demonstrate the magnitude of God's power and His active intervention on behalf of Israel. Second, it validates Israel's legal and theological claim to the land, establishing their rightful "possession" as a divine inheritance, not merely a conquest by human force. Third, the specific geographical markers (Baalgad, Mount Halak, Seir) confirm that the conquest covered the core regions of the promised land, providing a comprehensive and verifiable record for future generations and affirming God's detailed oversight of the entire process. This meticulous record underscores the historical reality and divine orchestration of the events.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 12:7, chronicling the physical conquest and inheritance of the land under Joshua, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel into their promised earthly rest and inheritance, Jesus, whose name is the Greek equivalent of Joshua, leads His people into a greater, spiritual rest and an eternal inheritance. The victory over the kings of Canaan foreshadows Christ's decisive triumph over the spiritual powers of darkness, sin, and death (e.g., Colossians 2:15). The land of Canaan, a physical possession, points to the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ—a "possession" that is not merely geographical but encompasses all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places (e.g., Ephesians 1:3 and Ephesians 1:11). The "divisions" of the land among the tribes can be seen as a type of the diverse spiritual gifts and roles distributed to believers in the body of Christ (e.g., Romans 12:4-8), each contributing to the flourishing of God's kingdom. Ultimately, the rest Israel found in the land (Joshua 21:44) points to the eternal Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God, entered into by faith in Christ (e.g., Hebrews 4:9-11). Jesus is the true and greater Joshua, who has already secured the ultimate victory and leads His people into their eternal and spiritual inheritance, a fulfillment far surpassing the earthly conquest.