Joshua Chapter 12
Joshua 12: List of Conquered Kings
A. Kings Defeated by Moses
1. Joshua 12:1 — Introduction to the Kings Conquered East of the Jordan
Scripture (KJV):
“Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east.”
a. “These are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote”
The Holy Spirit begins this section by recording the kings Israel defeated before crossing the Jordan. These victories were not under Joshua but under Moses’ leadership. They took place east of the Jordan River, demonstrating that the conquest of the Promised Land began even before Israel entered Canaan. The Lord had already proven His power and faithfulness in giving Israel military success against strong kings, such as Sihon of the Amorites and Og of Bashan, preparing them for the greater conquest ahead.
b. “Possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun”
This refers to the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the territories now associated with modern-day Jordan. The phrase “toward the rising of the sun” emphasizes the eastward location. This land was given as an inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. To Israel, this was not just an historical list but the legal record of their God-given land.
c. Why this list matters
To modern readers, the list may seem repetitive or tedious, but to Israel it was essential. These were the boundaries of family inheritance, territory divisions, taxation, tribal responsibility, and divine fulfillment. Every name on this list was evidence that God keeps His promises. Each conquered king’s territory represented fulfilled prophecy and covenant blessing.
d. “From the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east”
River Arnon: The southern border of this conquered land (modern Wadi Mujib in Jordan).
Mount Hermon: The northern boundary, a massive snow-capped mountain marking the northern edge of the Promised Land.
“All the plain on the east”: The Arabah or Jordan Valley’s eastern region, rich pastureland occupied by Israel’s eastern tribes.
This introduction sets the stage for two distinct yet connected conquests—first by Moses, then by Joshua. Moses conquered territories east of the Jordan; Joshua would conquer westward, beginning in Jericho and Ai. Together, they form a testimony of God’s faithfulness across two generations of leadership.
B. Kings Defeated by Moses (continued)
2. Joshua 12:2–3 — The Defeat of Sihon, King of the Amorites
Scripture (KJV):
“Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah.”
a. Sihon king of the Amorites
Sihon ruled the Amorite kingdom from the city of Heshbon. He was the first king to oppose Israel on their journey to the Promised Land. Moses sent a peaceful request for passage, but Sihon rejected it and attacked Israel instead. Israel defeated him in battle, not by military might but by the Lord’s power. This victory is recorded in Numbers 21:21–26 and Deuteronomy 2:24–36 and becomes a repeated testimony of God’s faithfulness throughout Scripture (Psalm 135:10–12, Psalm 136:17–19).
b. Boundary of his land — Aroer to the River Jabbok
Aroer sat on the northern edge of the River Arnon, marking the southern border of Sihon’s kingdom.
The River Jabbok formed the northern boundary and separated his land from the territory of the Ammonites.
Half of Gilead was under Sihon’s control. This region later became inheritance for the tribe of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
c. “From the plain to the Sea of Chinneroth… unto the Salt Sea”
Sihon’s land stretched across the eastern Jordan valley:
Sea of Chinneroth — later known as the Sea of Galilee.
Salt Sea — the Dead Sea.
Bethjeshimoth — near the northeastern edge of the Dead Sea.
“Under Ashdothpisgah” refers to the slopes of Mount Pisgah near Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death.
d. Spiritual significance
This victory became a defining moment of faith for Israel. God gave them victory over a strong Amorite king before they ever crossed the Jordan River. It demonstrated that God was already clearing the land ahead of them, confirming His word and strengthening their courage for future battles under Joshua.
3. Joshua 12:4–5 — The Defeat of Og, King of Bashan
Scripture (KJV):
“And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.”
a. Og king of Bashan — “of the remnant of the giants”
Og was not only a powerful king but also one of the last remaining Rephaim, a race of giants. His bed is described in Deuteronomy 3:11 as being nine cubits long (over 13 feet), emphasizing his imposing stature. To Israel, defeating Og was proof that no enemy—physical, spiritual, or supernatural—could stand against the God of Israel.
b. His territories — Ashtaroth, Edrei, and Mount Hermon
Ashtaroth and Edrei were his chief royal cities.
Mount Hermon marked the northern limits of his kingdom.
Bashan was a rich and fertile land northeast of the Sea of Galilee, later given to the half-tribe of Manasseh.
His rule extended to the borders of Geshur and Maachah, small Syrian kingdoms to the north.
Half of Gilead fell under his authority, bordering the land previously ruled by Sihon.
c. Spiritual importance
The defeat of Sihon and Og became a foundational testimony for Israel. These two kings represented impossible odds, yet God delivered them into Israel’s hand. Their names are repeatedly mentioned in Psalms and prophets as monuments of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 135:10–12; Psalm 136:17–22).
4. Joshua 12:6 — The Eastern Lands Given to Reuben, Gad, and Half Manasseh
Scripture (KJV):
“Them did Moses the servant of the Lord and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the Lord gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.”
a. “Moses the servant of the Lord”
This title is repeated twice in this verse and is significant. Moses is not called “the great leader,” “the lawgiver,” or “the prophet,” though he was all of those things. Scripture honors him with the title “servant of the Lord,” which is the greatest title a man can receive. This emphasizes that the conquest and possession of land east of the Jordan was not by human strategy, but by obedience to God’s will through His servant.
b. “Smite… and gave it for a possession”
This verse summarizes both conquest and inheritance. Moses led Israel in defeating Sihon and Og, but he did not keep the land for himself or for Levi. Instead, he distributed it as an inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Victory must always lead to stewardship and obedience, not pride or personal gain.
c. The decision of Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh
These tribes requested to remain east of the Jordan because the land was suitable for their large cattle and flocks (Numbers 32:1–5). Moses initially rebuked them, fearing they would discourage the rest of Israel from crossing the Jordan. They promised to send their warriors ahead to help conquer Canaan before returning to their families. Moses permitted it because their commitment aligned with the will of God.
d. “Half the tribe of Manasseh”
The tribe of Manasseh, descended from Joseph, was divided into two settlements:
• Half east of Jordan: Occupied Bashan and part of Gilead.
• Half west of Jordan: Would receive land in central Canaan under Joshua.Their land on the east was rich, fertile, and strategically important. However, being separated from the main body of Israel later made them more vulnerable to idolatry and enemy attacks (1 Chronicles 5:25–26).
e. Spiritual significance
This verse teaches several important biblical truths:
God keeps careful record of land, inheritance, and covenant promises.
Blessing is tied to obedience—Moses conquered because the Lord was with him.
Even before entering Canaan, God had already begun to fulfill His promise to give Israel land.
Yet the eastern tribes remind us of the danger of being near the Promised Land but not fully in it. Geographically blessed but spiritually distant, they became the first to fall into captivity centuries later.
B. Kings Defeated by Joshua
1. Joshua 12:7–8 — Overview of the Lands and Nations Conquered by Joshua
Scripture (KJV):
“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; 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, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.”
a. “These are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west”
This section shifts the focus from Moses’ eastern victories to Joshua’s conquest of the land west of the Jordan River. This is Canaan itself—the heart of the Promised Land. These victories include the destruction of Jericho, Ai, the southern confederacy (Joshua 10), and the northern confederacy under Jabin of Hazor (Joshua 11). The phrase “on this side Jordan on the west” is written from the perspective of readers already living within the land of Canaan.
b. Geographic boundaries — “from Baal-gad… unto Mount Halak that goeth up to Seir”
Baal-gad: Located in the Valley of Lebanon at the foot of Mount Hermon, marking the northern limit of Joshua’s conquests.
Mount Halak: Located in the far south, near Edom, also called the “smooth mountain” or “bare mountain.”
Seir: Refers to the region associated with Edom, south of the Dead Sea.
This description shows the vast area conquered—from north to south, covering the length of Canaan.
c. “Which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions”
Joshua not only conquered the land; he distributed it. The land was divided by tribes, then by families, by lots cast before the Lord (Joshua 14–19). This emphasizes that victory in battle was not the ultimate goal—inheritance, settlement, and obedience to God’s covenant purpose was the true objective.
d. Six major Canaanite nations mentioned
The passage identifies the main pagan nations dispossessed by Israel:
Hittites – Originally from Anatolia, also dwelling in Canaan; they represented military strength.
Amorites – Mountain dwellers; frequently hostile to Israel.
Canaanites – The general inhabitants of the land, often linked with coastal and lowland regions.
Perizzites – Country villagers; likely a non-walled settlement people.
Hivites – Included the Gibeonites who deceived Joshua.
Jebusites – Occupied Jerusalem until David conquered it (2 Samuel 5:6–9).
These nations were corrupt, idolatrous, and morally depraved. Their defeat fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:18–21, where God vowed to give this land to his descendants.
e. Variety of terrains conquered — “mountains, valleys, plains, springs, wilderness, and south country”
This shows that God gave Israel strength in every kind of terrain and circumstance:
Mountains: Hard to fight in, defendable.
Valleys and plains: Open for chariot warfare.
Springs and water areas: Essential for survival.
Wilderness (desert): Harsh, uninhabitable terrain.
South country (Negev): Dry, arid southern Israel.
This demonstrates that no terrain and no enemy was too difficult when the Lord fought for Israel.
f. Application and significance
To those living in the land, this list was not tedious—it defined boundaries, inheritance, family identity, and God’s fulfilled promises. Each conquered king represented a testimony of God’s faithfulness, judgment upon wickedness, and grace toward His covenant people. To us it may seem repetitive, but to Israel it was their title deed from God Himself.
2. Joshua 12:9–24 — The Thirty-One Kings Conquered by Joshua
“The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; The king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; The king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; The king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one; The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; The king of Shimronmeron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one; The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one; The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one.”
a. “The king of Jericho…” — Real kings, real places, real history
This list of 31 kings begins with Jericho, the first city Israel conquered in the land of Canaan (Joshua 6), and ends with Tirzah, a later royal city in the northern kingdom of Israel. Each name represents an actual ruler, a fortress, and a battle. Scripture roots victory in real geography and real leadership. This is not myth or allegory, but historical record — cities that modern archaeologists can locate and study. These kings ruled independently, and defeating each one marked a decisive removal of Canaanite authority over the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
b. “All the kings, thirty and one” — A memorial of God’s faithfulness
The number is recorded with precision — thirty-one pagan kings. Each one represents a story of faith, obedience, warfare, and divine intervention. This list served as a record for future generations to look back and remember the victories God gave. As Alan Redpath noted, there is value in pausing to reflect on what has been conquered by the grace of God. Israel could point to each city and say, “God delivered that into our hands.” Spiritually, the believer can do the same, looking back at sins conquered, battles fought, and the faithfulness of God along the way.
c. A spiritual parallel — Principalities defeated, yet land still to be possessed
These kings represent not only human opponents but spiritual strongholds. Colossians 2:15 says that God “spoiled principalities and powers,” making a show of them openly. Christ has conquered every spiritual authority, just as Joshua conquered every ruler in the land. Yet, just as Israel still had to occupy and settle each territory tribe by tribe, the believer must personally take possession of what Christ has already won — freedom from sin, victory over the flesh, and obedience to God’s Word.
d. A few notable kings in the list:
Jericho — Symbol of impossible walls falling by faith.
Ai — Small city, yet Israel was initially defeated due to hidden sin (Achan).
Jerusalem (Jebusite king) — Later conquered completely by David (2 Samuel 5:6–9).
Hebron — City given to Caleb, a reward for his faithfulness (Joshua 14:9–14).
Hazor — Head of the northern kingdoms, burned completely by Joshua (Joshua 11:10).
Megiddo — Famous valley of future prophecy — the place known as Armageddon (Revelation 16:16).
Tirzah — Later capital of the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:17).
e. This is a list of fulfilled promises
God promised Abraham in Genesis 15:18–21 that He would give this land and drive out these nations. Joshua 21:45 will later say: “There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.” This list is the proof.
