Josué 12

Josué 12

Meyer - Our Daily Homily - Moses, the servant at the Lord, gave it. We must not press a type, or analogy, unduly, though we may employ it to illustrate a doctrine well established from other parts of Scripture. Such an illustration is here. It is remarkable that the two tribes and a half which Moses settled beyond the Jordan took little part in the national life, and were soon wiped out of their inheritance. They were apparently absorbed by the nations whom they were supposed to have superseded. This was partly due to the devotion of the people to their material prosperity. In the words of Deborah, Reuben preferred to sit among the sheepfolds, to hear the piping of the flocks, rather than to take part in the emancipation of Canaan from Midian. But, looked at typically, may we not say that whatever Moses gives will ultimately evade our grasp and slip from our possession? Like the tables of stone, it will fall from our hand and be broken in pieces. and that you try to be or do in the power of your own resolution and energy will inevitably fail and deceive you. The land looks fair and the tenure seems good, but you will not be able to retain it. The deepest blessings of the spiritual life cannot be won or held in the strength of our own purpose, even though it be a holy and earnest one. These things can be ours only in so far as we abide in Christ, in whom our inheritance is vested, and from whom we receive it as we need, by faith. We can hold nothing apart from abiding fellowship with Jesus. And this is our privilege. Let us lift our hearts to the blessed Spirit, asking that He would reveal to us that which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, but which God hath prepared for those that love Him. Joshua 12:7 Now these are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the sons of Israel defeated beyond the Jordan toward the west, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon even as far as Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir; and Joshua gave it to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions, beyond the Jordan toward the west: Jos 12:1 3:17 9:1 Baal-Gad: Jos 11:17 13:5 Seir: Ge 14:6 32:3 36:8,20,30 De 2:1,4 Joshua gave: Jos 1:3,4 11:23 13:1-19:51 De 11:23,24 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Joshua 11:16-17 Thus Joshua took all that land: the hill country and all the Negev, all that land of Goshen, the lowland, the Arabah, the hill country of Israel and its lowland 17 from Mount Halak, that rises toward Seir;, even as far as Baal-Gad in the valley of Lebanon at the foot of Mount Hermon. And he captured all their kings and struck them down and put them to death. DESCRIPTION OF TERRITORY OF KINGS DEFEATED BY JOSHUA Beginning in this verse, the remainder of the chapter deals with defeated kings on the west side of the Jordan. As alluded to above, some of the towns mentioned in this list were not described in Joshua 6-11 which describe the military campaigns. Therefore it is clear that much of the military history of Israel's conquering the land is not described in detail. "The kings which have been mentioned previously in the narrative are set out in the order in which they were defeated, with those mentioned for the first time inserted within the chronology." (Grant) Now these are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the sons of Israel defeated beyond the Jordan toward the west ("the west side of the Jordan" - NET), from Baal-Gad in the valley of Lebanon even as far as Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir; and Joshua gave it to the tribes of Israel as a possession (yerushshah) according to their divisions - Hebrew = "Joshua gave it to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their allotted portions." NET = Joshua assigned this territory to the Israelite tribes." They had once possessed all the land bounded on the east by Jordan, on the west by the Mediterranean and from Mount Halak in the south to Mount Hermon in the north (a distance of about 175 miles). Israel is now in possession of this territory. Note also that the list of kings is in the chronological order in which they engaged in battle. It is clear that God keeps records. God keeps books with lists of names in them. The land has been taken from Mount Halak in the south to Mount Hermon in the north. F. W. Grant in his Numerical Bible says, "Not a city except Gibeon that yielded itself to God, all were taken in battle. This was the effect of God's retributive justice, making the hearts firm in resistance to Israel's power that had shut themselves up against the God of Israel. Thus they met the judgment rightly decreed upon them. The enumeration follows of the kings dispossessed and slain on both sides of the river by Moses and Joshua." Davis and Whitcomb make an excellent point that "Many of the same names appear in the Amarna letters, thus confirming the historicity of our text." Thompson - Most in this listing never thought they would lose against Israel. Most of these enemies thought Israel didn’t have a chance. That is the way some of our enemies may think about us. They may think we can’t win. But what they apparently don’t realize is that you cannot beat the power of God. When Joshua first took Israel across the Jordan into this land, there were 16 hostile kings in the southern part of Canaan (Josh 12:9-16) and 15 hostile kings in the northern part of Canaan (Josh 12:17-24). Now the kings, for the most part, controlled a city. Each city was a war and each war was led by an opposing king. These were real enemies and real battles and in this text 31 of them are named. These were 31 battles that needed to be fought. Some of the kings tried to form a coalition against Joshua and others just went up against him one on one. But in the end, all 31 kings were destroyed. It did not matter if they lived in the mountains, plains, valleys or by the sea; they all fell one by one. God gave victory over every single enemy. As His people faithfully obeyed His Word, He was faithful to give them victory. Baal-Gad a city 'in the valley of Lebanon under Mount Hermon' (Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7). We are also informed that among those parts of Palestine which were unsubdued by the Hebrews at the death of Joshua, was 'all Lebanon towards the sun-rising, from Baal-gad, under Mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath' (Joshua 13:5). This position of Baal-Gad is not unfavorable to the conclusion which some have reached, that it is no other than the place which, from a temple consecrated to the sun, that stood there, was called by the Greeks Heliopolis, i.e. city of the sun; and which the natives called and still call Baalbek, a word apparently of the same meaning. Butler points out that "“The description was not complete. Shechem is not mentioned, and the hills of Ephraim are sparsely represented, as is the territory north of Hazor. Completeness is not the object. The writer seeks to compile a list that will impress the readers with the greatness of the feat of God in working for Israel and of the greatness of the leadership of Joshua in following the example of Moses and completing the task first given to Moses. Still, the writer is aware that much remains to be done.” (Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 7, Joshua) Believer's Study Bible - The list that concludes this chapter is proof of God's faithfulness to His promises (cf. Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 20:18) and amounts to a detailed giving of thanks, naming His blessings "one by one." These victories are also a foreshadowing to us of the final victory that will be Christ's (cf. Judg. 5:31; Rev. 11:15-17). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 7-24. We have here the limits of the country Joshua conquered. A list is given of the kings subdued by Israel: thirty-one in all. This shows how fruitful Canaan then was, in which so many chose to throng together. This was the land God appointed for Israel; yet in our day it is one of the most barren 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, Deuteronomy 29:23. The vengeance of a righteous God, inflicted on all these kings and their subjects, for their wickedness, should make us dread and hate sin. The fruitful land bestowed on his chosen people, should fill our hearts with hope and confidence in his mercy, and with humble gratitude. Possession (03425) yerushshah from yarash = to posses) means possession, inheritance. It described the right to inherit the land. It could be an inheritance given or to a possession taken by force (or both). Reuben, Gad and half tribe of Manasseh received land east of the Jordan as a "possession" from God (Dt. 3:20; cf. Josh. 1:15; 12:6f). The descendants of Lot settled in Moab (Dt. 2:9), and in Ammon which God had given them as their possession (Dt 2:19), even as He had given did the descendants of Esau the area of Mount Seir (aka Edom - Dt. 2:5). After the civil war involving the tribe of Benjamin, the leaders of Israel were concerned that the depleted tribe not lose an inheritance; they planned "a possession" for Benjamin, according to Judg. 21:17. During the Babylonian siege of Judah, Jeremiah bought at Anathoth a parcel of land to which he retained the right of "possession" (Jer. 32:8). David declares that all those who fear God's name receive "an inheritance" (Ps. 61:5). GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 12 7. From Baal-gad. A repetition of what is mentioned, Joshua 11:17+. Joshua 12:8 in the hill country, in the lowland, in the Arabah, on the slopes, and in the wilderness, and in the Negev; the Hittite, the Amorite and the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite: in the hill country,: Jos 10:40 11:16 the Hittite: Jos 9:1 Ge 15:18-21 Ex 3:8 23:23,28-31 De 7:1 9:1 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries in the hill country, in the lowland, in the Arabah, on the slopes, and in the wilderness, and in the Negev; the Hittite, the Amorite and the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite S. Grant - The geography of the western conquest is summarised by six areas of land and six groups of people: “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”, all of which have been the subject of previous comment. (What the Bible Teaches - Joshua Judges Ruth) David Thompson - What I think is so interesting is that these political leaders seemed to sail along in life for quite a while. They had their power and they had their prosperity and they thought they were on top of the world. That is until God decided it was time for judgment. God knew each one by name and He destroyed every one of these God-mocking politicians. One by one God tracked them down and destroyed them. Political leaders would be very wise to take a serious look at this chapter. They may sail along for a while; but there will come a day when God will track them all down. So one day the script will read God defeated and destroyed the Presidents of the United States who mocked Him and His Word. God defeated and destroyed the governors who made mockery of Him and His Word. God defeated and destroyed those mayors of cities that promoted things that were not Biblically right. God is not interested in partial victories. God wants complete victory. God is not interested in leading us to half of His blessings; He wants us to have all of His blessings. So we must take enemies on, one by one. Fight them all in obedience to God’s Word. We may fight 31 battles, but if we are faithful we will experience 31 victories. That is the story of Joshua 12. Campbell - victory is possible along the way. We need only follow the example of Israel's leader, Joshua, who believed in God--taking Him at His Word, trusting His promises, relying on His presence. As a result, he vanquished his enemies. ") For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. " (1Jn 5:4) (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament or Here) GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 12 8. In the mountains, and in the valleys, &c. The meaning probably is, that he smote the nations dwelling in the mountains, valleys, &c., even the Hittites, the Amorites, &c. The words convey at the same time a striking intimation of the general features of the country, its rich variety of soils, contributing at once to its fruitfulness and its pleasantness. Joshua 12:9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; Jericho: Jos 6:2-21 Ai: Jos 8:1,17,29-35 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE ROYAL COUNTDOWN BEGINS The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one - NET = " the king of Jericho (one), the king of Ai– located near Bethel– (one)." These are the first kings attacked and were from the central region of Canaan. Jericho Ai Joshua 6:2 "The LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the valiant warriors." Don Anderson application - "Ai" means " a heap of ruins . " Each of us as Christians will have a heap of ruins, things we have cut out of our lives that we might make haste toward maturity. (cf Heb 12:1, Php 3:7-14)" See Anderson's notes for an interesting study in which he looks at the meaning of each one of the place names associated with the kings and applies the meaning of the place to our Christian life. Interesting even if it is spiritualized somewhat! Guzik on specific recounting of the 31 kings conquered by Joshua (Josh 12:9–24) - These descriptions are also important because they make it clear that these things happened in real time, and in real space. These are not fairy tales that begin with “once upon a time,” this is history that begins with specific places and people and rulers. As well, it was a way that Israel could forever remember the great things God had done for them. With all these kings conquered—with every one of these “principalities and powers” over the land defeated—there is no doubt that the land belongs to Israel, but the individual tribes still have much to possess for their own. Alan Redpath - “Sometimes in the course of human experience it is good to sit down and reflect on what has been conquered by the grace of God.” (Victorious Christian Living) Joshua 12:10 the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; Jerusalem: Jos 10:23 Hebron: Jos 10:3,23,36,37 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one - NET = "the king of Jerusalem (one), the king of Hebron (one)." The kings in Joshua 12:10-16a are kings from the southern part of Canaan and includes 4 kings not mentioned in Joshua 10 ( kings of Geder, Hormah, Arad, and Adullam - in bold in the following list). Jerusalem Hebron Jarmuth Lachish Eglon Gezer Debir Geder Hormah Arad Libnah Adullam Makkedah. F B Meyer - It seems strange in the light of subsequent history to find that one of these was the king of Jerusalem (10); and yet it was not till four hundred years had passed that the Jebusites were driven out by David (2 Sam. 5:6), so slack were the people of Israel to avail themselves of God's provision, and enter upon the results of Joshua's victories. In like manner, it is one thing to rejoice in the victory which our Joshua--the Lord Jesus--has won for us (Col. 2:15); it is another to follow it up, and claim its results. Joshua 12:11 the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; Jarmuth: Placed by Eusebius and Jerome four miles from Eleutheropolis, near Eshtaol; but, in Jermus, which is probably the same, they state it to be ten miles from Eleutheropolis, towards Jerusalem; which is supposed to be nearer the truth. Jos 10:3-23 Lachish: Eusebius and Jerome say it was a village in their time, seven miles south from Eleutheropolis. Jos 10:3,23,31,32 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one Lachish is mentioned 8x in Joshua 10 - Jos. 10:3; Jos. 10:5; Jos. 10:23; Jos. 10:31; Jos. 10:32; Jos. 10:33; Jos. 10:34; Jos. 10:35; Jos. 12:11; Jos. 15:39; 2 Ki. 14:19; 2 Ki. 18:14; 2 Ki. 18:17; 2 Ki. 19:8; 2 Chr. 11:9; 2 Chr. 25:27; 2 Chr. 32:9; Neh. 11:30; Isa. 36:2; Isa. 37:8; Jer. 34:7; Mic. 1:13. Clearly this was an strategic city for Joshua to defeat! It was the only city it took two days to defeat. Joshua 12:12 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; Eglon: Jos 10:3,23 15:39 Gezer: Gezer appears to have situated in the tribe of Ephraim, near Beth-horon, between it and the sea. Eusebius and Jerome place it four miles north of Nicopolis or Emmaus. Jos 10:33 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one Joshua 12:13 the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; Debir: Jos 10:3,38 Geder: Jos 15:36 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one Joshua 12:14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; Hormah: Nu 14:45 21:3 Arad: Eusebius places this city in the neighbourhood of Kadesh, four miles from Malathis, and twenty from Hebron. Nu 21:1 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one Joshua 12:15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; Libnah: Eusebius and Jerome inform us, that Libnah was a town or village in their time, lying in the district of Eleutheropolis. Jos 10:29,30 Adullam: 1Sa 22:1 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one Joshua 12:16 the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; Makkedah: Jos 10:28 Bethel: Jos 8:17 Ge 12:8 28:19 Jdg 1:22 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one - Beginning in Joshua 12:16b five more kings and cities are described from the central region of Canaan: Bethel Tappuah Hepher Aphek Lasharon. Joshua 12:17 the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; Tappuah: Jos 15:34 Hepher: Jos 19:13 1Ki 4:10 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one Joshua 12:18 the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one; Aphek: Jos 19:30 1Sa 4:1 Lasharon: or, Sharon, Isa 33:9 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one Joshua 12:19 the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; Madon: Jos 11:1 Hazor: Jos 11:1,10,11 Jdg 4:2 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one - The last group of kings and cities (Joshua 12:19-24) are from the northern region of Canaan: Madon Hazor Shimron-meron Achshaph Taanach Megiddo Kedesh Jokneam of Carmel Dor in the coast of Dor The nations of Gilgal Tirzah. Joshua 12:20 the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; Shimronmeron: Jos 11:1 19:15 Achshaph: Jos 11:1 19:25 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one Joshua 12:21 the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; Taanach: Jos 17:11 Jdg 5:19 Megiddo: 1Ki 4:12 2Ki 23:29,30 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, on Joshua 12:22 the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; Kedesh: Jos 15:23 19:37 21:32 Jokneam: Jos 19:11 Carmel: Jos 15:55 1Sa 25:2 Isa 35:2 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one Joshua 12:23 the king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one; Dor: Jos 11:2 17:11 the nations: Ge 14:1,2 Isa 9:1 Gilgal: Jos 4:19 5:9,10 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one Joshua 12:24 the king of Tirzah, one: in all, thirty-one kings. Tirzah: 1Ki 16:23 2Ki 15:14 Joshua 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries the king of Tirzah, one: in all, thirty-one king GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 12 24. All the kings, thirty and one. From the number of these kings, we may learn how numerous and yet how small were the petty principalities into which the land of Canaan was divided. The extent of this country from north to south was not more than 150 miles, and not more than fifty from east to west. In like manner were nearly all the different nations of the world divided. The consequence was that civil wars and border feuds continually prevailed, making them an easy prey to foreign invaders. Thus history informs us that when Cæsar invaded Britain there were no less than four kings in the single county of Kent.