Joshua 12:9

The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which [is] beside Bethel, one;

The king {H4428} of Jericho {H3405}, one {H259}; the king {H4428} of Ai {H5857}, which is beside {H6654} Bethel {H1008}, one {H259};

the king of Yericho, the king of 'Ai, by Beit-El,

the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is near Bethel, one;

the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Beth-el, one;

Commentary

Joshua 12:9 is a concise summary statement within a larger list (Joshua 12:7-24) detailing the kings and city-states defeated by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. This verse specifically highlights two significant victories from the early stages of the conquest of Canaan.

Context

The Book of Joshua recounts Israel's entry into and conquest of the Promised Land after the death of Moses. Chapter 12 serves as a powerful concluding summary of the military campaigns, listing the thirty-one kings defeated on both sides of the Jordan River. Verse 9 points to the first two major strongholds overcome by Israel in the central part of Canaan:

  • The King of Jericho: Jericho was the first city taken by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. Its fall was miraculous, demonstrating God's direct intervention and power, as detailed in Joshua chapter 6. This victory established Israel's presence and God's faithfulness.
  • The King of Ai: The conquest of Ai, located near Bethel, was more complex. After an initial defeat due to Achan's sin, Israel repented, and God granted them victory through strategic battle, as recounted in Joshua chapter 8. Bethel itself was a significant biblical site, associated with Jacob's dream and covenants with God (Genesis 28:19).

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: This verse, part of the larger list, powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and reiterated to Moses and Joshua, that He would give the land of Canaan to Israel.
  • God's Sovereignty in Conquest: The repeated phrase "one" (referring to "one king" or "one kingdom") in this list emphasizes that each victory was distinct and complete, under God's sovereign hand. The conquest was not merely a human military endeavor but a divinely orchestrated campaign.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The defeat of these kings was a tangible fulfillment of God's word, demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted (Isaiah 55:11).

Significance of the List

The detailed enumeration of defeated kings in Joshua 12 serves several purposes:

  • It acts as a historical record, validating the extent of Israel's territorial gains.
  • It provides a legal document, solidifying Israel's claim to the land.
  • Most importantly, it testifies to God's power and His commitment to His people, reminding future generations of His mighty acts on their behalf.

Practical Application

For believers today, Joshua 12:9 and the broader list offer encouragement:

  • God Keeps His Promises: Just as God faithfully delivered the land to Israel, He is faithful to His promises to us, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The initial defeat at Ai, followed by victory, reminds us that setbacks are not final if we remain obedient and seek God's guidance. Our ultimate victory comes through God's power, not our own strength (Philippians 4:13).
  • Recognizing God's Hand: We are called to recognize God's active involvement in our lives, acknowledging that every true success is ultimately from Him.
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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 8:29

    And the king of Ai he hanged on a tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, [that remaineth] unto this day.

  • Joshua 8:35

    There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.

  • Joshua 6:2

    And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, [and] the mighty men of valour.

  • Joshua 6:21

    And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.

  • Joshua 8:17

    And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

  • Joshua 8:1

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:
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