the king of Libnah
Libnah was a city in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Judah. The name "Libnah" means "whiteness" in Hebrew, possibly referring to the white clay or limestone found in the area. Historically, Libnah was a significant Canaanite city that was conquered by Joshua during the Israelite campaign to take possession of the Promised Land. The mention of "the king of Libnah" signifies the defeat of a local ruler, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites. This victory is a testament to God's faithfulness and the Israelites' obedience to His command to conquer the land.

one
The repetition of "one" in this verse underscores the individual victories over each king and city. Each "one" represents a distinct triumph, highlighting the thoroughness of the conquest. It serves as a reminder that every battle won was part of a larger divine plan orchestrated by God. The singularity of each victory also points to the personal nature of God's involvement in the lives of His people, ensuring that no detail is overlooked in His providential care.

the king of Adullam
Adullam was another city in the Shephelah, known for its strategic location and historical significance. The name "Adullam" is derived from a root meaning "justice of the people" or "refuge." This city later became famous as the place where David sought refuge from King Saul, hiding in the Cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1-2). The mention of "the king of Adullam" in Joshua 12:15 highlights the city's importance even before David's time. The defeat of its king signifies the extension of Israelite control and the establishment of God's justice in the land. It serves as a precursor to the city's future role as a place of refuge and gathering for those seeking God's protection and guidance.

one
As with the previous mention, the word "one" here emphasizes the individual nature of the victory over the king of Adullam. It reflects the methodical and complete nature of the conquest, where each city and its ruler were dealt with according to God's command. This repetition reinforces the idea that every victory, no matter how small it may seem, is significant in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people. It encourages believers to recognize and celebrate each step of progress in their spiritual journey, trusting that God is with them in every battle they face.

Verse 15. - Adullam. In the Shephelah (valley in our version. See ch. 15:33-35). Canon Tristram in his 'Bible Lands,' as well as Conder in his 'Handbook,' identify this with Aid-el-Me, or Mich. In the Quarterly Paper of the Palestine Exploration Fund for July, 1875 (see also Jan., 1874), Lieut. Conder details a visit to this place, previously identified by M. Clermont-Ganneau. These explorers reject the idea approved by Vandevelde and others, that this Deir Dabban is the ancient Adullam. The place he prefers fulfils all requirements. It is in the Shephelah. It is near Jarmuth and Socoh. It is an ancient site with "rock cut tombs, good water supply, and main road, and communications from different sides, and it is moreover a strong military position. It contains no remarkable cave, but a number of small ones, now used as habitations by the peasantry." Keilah, which David saved from the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:1-5), was within a reasonable distance. The present name, Aid-el-Me or Mieh, the feast of the hundred, may be a misapprehension of the word Adullam similar to that which converts the Welsh "yr eifel," in Carnarvonshire, into the English "the rivals," or which identifies in many English names the English burn (brook) with the French borne (boundary). One of the greatest objections to the theory is that the Hebrew so frequently speaks of the place as Cave-Adullam (Ma'arah-Adullam), as though some special cave existed there. Adullam plays a somewhat important part in Scripture history. We hear of it as early as Genesis 38, where Hirah the Adullamite is spoken of as a friend of the patriarch Judah.. It is well known as the refuge of David and his mighty men (1 Samuel 22:1; 2 Samuel 23:13-17). It was the place where David composed two of his psalms, the 57th and the 142nd. Rehoboam fortified it (2 Chronicles 11:7). It seems to be regarded as a refuge in Micah 1:15. And it is mentioned among the cities re-occupied after the return from the captivity in Nehemiah 11:30.

Parallel Commentaries ...


the king
מֶ֤לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Libnah,
לִבְנָה֙ (liḇ·nāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3841: Libnah -- a city in soutwest Judah, also a place in the wilderness

one;
אֶחָ֔ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

the king
מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Adullam,
עֲדֻלָּ֖ם (‘ă·ḏul·lām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5725: Adullam -- a Canaanite city

one;
אֶחָֽד׃ (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first


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OT History: Joshua 12:15 The king of Libnah one (Josh. Jos)