Joshua 12:8

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:

In the mountains {H2022}, and in the valleys {H8219}, and in the plains {H6160}, and in the springs {H794}, and in the wilderness {H4057}, and in the south country {H5045}; the Hittites {H2850}, the Amorites {H567}, and the Canaanites {H3669}, the Perizzites {H6522}, the Hivites {H2340}, and the Jebusites {H2983}:

the hill country, the foothills, the Arabah, the slopes, the wilderness, and the Negev—the lands of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites):

in the hill-country, and in the lowland, and in the Arabah, and in the slopes, and in the wilderness, and in the South; the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite):

Commentary

Joshua 12:8 is part of a summary chapter detailing the vast scope of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. This verse specifically highlights the diverse geographical regions and the formidable nations that inhabited the territory west of the Jordan River, which God delivered into Israel's hands.

Context

Chapter 12 of Joshua serves as a comprehensive recap of the military victories achieved by the Israelites. After listing the kings defeated by Moses east of the Jordan (Joshua 12:1-6), this section shifts focus to the kings and territories conquered by Joshua in Canaan proper, west of the Jordan (Joshua 12:7-24). Verse 8 paints a vivid picture of the varied terrain—from mountains to plains and wilderness—and identifies the primary inhabitants, setting the stage for the detailed tribal inheritances described in subsequent chapters.

Key Themes

  • Divine Fulfillment of Promise: This verse powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants, granting them possession of the land flowing with milk and honey. The comprehensive list of regions and peoples underscores the thoroughness of this divine undertaking.
  • Thoroughness of the Conquest: The mention of "mountains, valleys, plains, springs, wilderness, and the south country" emphasizes that no part of the land, no matter how challenging or remote, was beyond the scope of Israel's conquest. This speaks to the complete victory God provided.
  • Identification of the Opponents: The verse explicitly names six of the prominent Canaanite nations: the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. These were the very peoples God commanded Israel to dispossess due to their idolatry and wickedness, highlighting the spiritual significance of the conflict.

Linguistic Insights

The geographical terms used are straightforward, describing the diverse topography of ancient Canaan. The names of the peoples, such as Hittites (a powerful empire to the north), Amorites (often used broadly for western Semites, but also a specific group), and Jebusites (inhabitants of Jerusalem), reflect the complex ethnic mosaic of the region. The term Canaanites itself often served as a general designation for the inhabitants of the land, encompassing various subgroups.

Practical Application

Joshua 12:8 reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to His promises. Just as He empowered Israel to overcome formidable geographical challenges and powerful enemies, He enables believers today to face their own "giants" and "strongholds." This verse encourages us to trust in God's power to lead us through difficult terrains in life, whether they are spiritual, emotional, or practical. It is a testament to the fact that when God gives a command or a promise, He also provides the means for its fulfillment, ensuring we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 11:16

    So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;

  • Joshua 9:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings which [were] on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard [thereof];

  • Joshua 10:40

    So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.

  • Genesis 15:18

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Genesis 15:21

    And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

  • Exodus 23:23

    For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.

  • Deuteronomy 9:1

    ¶ Hear, O Israel: Thou [art] to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,
← Back