Berean Study Bible The Kings Defeated East of the JordanJoshua records the rulers defeated during Israel’s advance under Moses and Joshua, marking God’s fulfillment of His promise to give the land to Abraham’s descendants. Deu 2:24-25 Arise, set out, and cross the Arnon Valley.… whom the Israelites struck down Israel’s victories came as the Lord delivered hostile kingdoms into their hands according to His command. Num 21:24-25 And Israel put him to the sword and took possession… and whose lands they took The conquered territory became Israel’s inheritance, establishing the tribes in the land God had assigned them. Deu 3:12-13 So at that time we took possession of this land… beyond the Jordan to the east, The account begins with the Transjordan lands conquered before Israel crossed into Canaan. Jos 1:14-15 Your wives, your young children, and your livestock… from the Arnon Valley to Mount Hermon, This broad territory extended from the southern boundary near Moab northward through the kingdoms of Sihon and Og. Deu 3:8-9 At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites… including all the Arabah eastward: It included the Jordan Rift region east of the river, later allotted to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Deu 4:49 including all the Arabah on the east side of the Jordan… Sihon king of the Amorites, Sihon controlled a substantial Amorite kingdom east of the Jordan. Israel defeated him after he refused them passage through his land, taking the territory God had given them. Num 21:21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites,… who lived in Heshbon. Heshbon was Sihon’s royal city and the center of his rule. Its capture established Israel’s control over the former Amorite territory. Num 21:25 Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites… He ruled from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, His kingdom began at Aroer near the Arnon, which marked the southern limit of the land Israel took from him. Deu 2:36 Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city… along the middle of the valley, Control of the valley included an important natural corridor through the region and strengthened Heshbon’s position. Jos 13:9 The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley,… up to the Jabbok River (the border of the Ammonites), Sihon’s northern boundary reached the Jabbok, beyond which lay Ammonite territory. Israel did not take the land of Ammon. Deu 3:16 and to the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the territory… that is, half of Gilead, The conquered territory included part of fertile Gilead, later assigned to the tribes settling east of the Jordan. Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites… as well as the Arabah east of the Sea of Chinnereth The Arabah formed part of the Jordan Rift Valley, running south from the Sea of Chinnereth, or Sea of Galilee, toward the Dead Sea. It marked the eastern extent of Sihon’s former kingdom and the territory later held by Israel. Jos 13:27 and in the valley, Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah… to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea), The Salt Sea, now called the Dead Sea, lay at the southern boundary of this region. Its barren shores and highly saline waters marked a clear geographical limit for the land Israel possessed east of the Jordan. Deu 3:17 The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it… eastward through Beth-jeshimoth, Beth-jeshimoth, meaning “house of the deserts,” stood near the northeastern end of the Dead Sea in the plains of Moab. It lay within the land assigned to Reuben after Israel’s victory over the Amorite kings. Num 33:49 And there on the plains of Moab they camped by the Jordan,… and southward below the slopes of Pisgah. The slopes of Pisgah overlooked the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. From this region Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death, and it remained a prominent landmark in Israel’s inheritance east of the Jordan. Deu 4:49 including all the Arabah on the east side of the Jordan… And Og king of Bashan, Og ruled Bashan, a fertile and strongly defended region east of the Jordan River. His kingdom formed a major obstacle as Israel advanced toward the Promised Land. Deu 3:1 Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan… one of the remnant of the Rephaim, Og belonged to the Rephaim, a people remembered for exceptional stature and strength. His survival represented the lingering presence of these feared warriors in the land. Deu 3:11 For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant… who lived in Ashtaroth and Edrei. Ashtaroth and Edrei were leading cities of Bashan and centers of Og’s rule. Israel defeated Og at Edrei and took possession of his territory, demonstrating the Lord’s faithfulness to give Israel victory over even its strongest enemies. Deu 1:4 This was after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites… He ruled over Mount Hermon, Og’s kingdom extended northward to Mount Hermon, the prominent mountain range marking the northern reaches of Bashan. Its snow-fed streams contributed to the Jordan watershed. Deu 3:8 At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites… Salecah, Salecah stood at the southeastern edge of Bashan and helped secure Og’s eastern frontier against the desert regions. Deu 3:10 all the cities of the plateau, all of Gilead,… all of Bashan Bashan was a fertile plateau east of the Sea of Galilee, noted for productive pastureland, fortified cities, and agricultural wealth. It formed the heart of Og’s Amorite kingdom. Deu 3:13 To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead… up to the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, Og’s territory reached toward the neighboring peoples of Geshur and Maacah, whose lands lay beyond Israel’s full control. Deu 3:14 He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair… and half of Gilead Gilead extended south from Bashan and was divided between Og’s kingdom and the territory formerly ruled by Sihon. After the conquest, this land was allotted to the eastern tribes of Israel. Deu 3:12 So at that time we took possession of this land… to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon. Sihon ruled the Amorite kingdom south of Og’s domain from Heshbon. The defeat of both kings gave Israel control of the central Transjordan region. Num 21:21-24 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites,… Moses, the servant of the LORD, Moses led Israel under God’s authority, bringing the people from Egypt and directing them through the wilderness. His faithfulness in carrying out God’s commands marked him as the Lord’s appointed leader. Deu 34:5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there.… and the Israelites had struck them down Israel’s defeat of Sihon and Og secured the Amorite lands east of the Jordan. These victories showed that the Lord was giving His people the territory He had promised. Deu 3:3 So the LORD our God also delivered Og king of Bashan… and given their land as an inheritance The conquered land became a permanent tribal possession, received as God’s gift rather than gained by Israel’s strength alone. Deu 4:38 to drive out before you nations greater and mightier… to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These tribes received territory east of the Jordan because of its rich pastureland. They were still bound to join the rest of Israel in the conquest of Canaan before returning to settle their inheritance. Jos 13:8 The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites…
The Kings Defeated West of the JordanJoshua’s victories established Israel’s control over the central and southern regions of Canaan, fulfilling the Lord’s promise to give the land to Abraham’s descendants. The defeated kings represent the collapse of organized Canaanite resistance before Israel. Jos 10:42 And because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel… beyond the Jordan to the west, The territory lay west of the Jordan River, the land Israel entered after crossing the river under Joshua’s leadership. It formed the principal area assigned to the tribes as their permanent possession. Jos 23:4 See, I have allotted as an inheritance to your tribes… from Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon Baal-gad, near Mount Hermon in the far north, marked the northern extent of Joshua’s conquests. The region reflected the Canaanite culture and religion that Israel was commanded to remove from the land. Jos 11:17 Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir, as far as Baal-gad… to Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir Mount Halak, meaning “the smooth mountain,” marked the southern limit of the conquered territory, toward the borderlands associated with Edom and Seir. Together with Baal-gad, it shows the broad extent of the land brought under Israelite control. Deu 2:4-5 You will pass through the territory of your brothers… (according to the allotments to the tribes of Israel, Joshua gave them as an inheritance Joshua distributed the conquered land among Israel’s tribes according to the divisions appointed by the Lord. Each tribal inheritance confirmed God’s covenant promise and established Israel in the land He had given them. Jos 13:7 Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance… the hill country, The central highlands of Canaan included the territories later occupied by Judah, Ephraim, and Benjamin. Its elevated ridges, springs, and defensible towns made it important for settlement and warfare. Deu 1:7 Resume your journey and go to the hill country… the foothills, The Shephelah lay between the highlands and the coastal plain. Its productive valleys and strategic routes made it a frequent area of conflict, especially between Israel and the Philistines. Jdg 1:9 Afterward, the men of Judah marched down to fight… the Arabah, The Arabah included the Jordan Valley and the rift region extending south toward the Gulf of Aqaba. Though much of it was arid, it provided important travel and trade routes and included the area of the Dead Sea. Deu 1:1 These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel… the slopes, These lower mountain slopes and escarpments formed transitional ground between the highlands and surrounding valleys. Their terrain offered natural defensive positions and supported terraced cultivation. Deu 3:17 The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it… the wilderness, The wilderness regions were sparsely settled desert lands east and south of the inhabited areas. Israel’s years of wandering in the wilderness remained a reminder of God’s provision, discipline, and faithfulness. Num 14:33 Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness… and the Negev— The Negev was the dry southern region of the land, where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David lived or traveled at different times. Though lightly populated, it marked an important part of the territory promised to Israel. Gen 13:1 So Abram went up out of Egypt into the Negev—… the lands of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites): These peoples occupied Canaan before Israel’s conquest, living in cities, villages, and fortified strongholds throughout the land. The Jebusites held Jerusalem until David captured it, while the Hivites included the people of Gibeon. Their defeat under Joshua demonstrated the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Canaan to Israel. Exo 33:2 And I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out… the king of Jericho, one; Jericho stood in the Jordan Valley as the first fortified city Israel faced after crossing the Jordan. Its fall came by God’s command after Israel marched around the city for seven days, demonstrating that the land was received by His power rather than Israel’s strength. Jericho’s defeat marked the beginning of Joshua’s campaign against the Canaanite kings and the fulfillment of God’s promised inheritance. Jos 6:20 So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted.… the king of Ai, which is near Bethel, one; Ai was a smaller but strategically placed city near Bethel. Israel’s first attempt failed because of Achan’s disobedience, showing that covenant unfaithfulness affected the whole nation. After sin was judged, Joshua followed God’s instructions and captured Ai by ambush. The victory restored Israel’s advance into the land and affirmed the necessity of obedience under God’s leadership. Jos 8:29 He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening… the king of Jerusalem, one; Jerusalem was then a Jebusite stronghold positioned on key routes through the central hill country. Its king had joined the southern coalition against Israel and was defeated in Joshua’s campaign. The city itself remained under Jebusite control until David captured it and made it the capital of Israel. Jos 10:1-5 Now Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua… the king of Hebron, one; Hebron was an ancient and influential city associated with Abraham and the burial place of the patriarchs. Its king also joined the alliance opposing Joshua and was defeated with the other southern rulers. The city later became part of Judah’s inheritance and served as David’s first royal capital over Judah. Jos 10:36-37 Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon… the king of Jarmuth, one; Jarmuth was a fortified Canaanite city in Judah’s Shephelah. Its king, Piram, joined four other Amorite rulers in attacking Gibeon after that city made peace with Israel. The defeat of this coalition showed that the principal cities of the region could not resist the Lord’s purpose to give the land to Israel. Archaeological evidence indicates that Jarmuth was an important fortified settlement during the Late Bronze Age. Jos 10:3 Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word… the king of Lachish, one; Lachish was a major fortified city in the Shephelah and a key center of Canaanite power. King Japhia joined Piram’s alliance against Gibeon and was defeated with the other coalition kings. Its capture demonstrated Israel’s growing control of southern Canaan. Lachish later remained strategically important in Judah and became known for its strong defenses and repeated sieges. Jos 10:5 So the five kings of the Amorites joined forces… the king of Eglon, one; Eglon stood in the Shephelah of Judah and joined the five Amorite kings who resisted Israel’s advance. Its defeat removed a fortified center of Canaanite power and secured Israel’s control in the lowland region. Jos 10:3 Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word… the king of Gezer, one; Gezer occupied a strategic position near major routes between the coast and the hill country. Its king had aided Canaanite resistance, but his defeat marked Israel’s victory over another important stronghold. Gezer remained a notable city in later generations because of its military and commercial importance. Jos 10:33 At that time Horam king of Gezer went to help Lachish, but… the king of Debir, one; Debir stood in the hill country of Judah and was formerly called Kiriath Sepher, meaning “City of Books.” It was captured during Joshua’s southern campaign, when its king and inhabitants were defeated and the city was brought under Israelite control. Its inclusion among the defeated kingdoms records the complete subjugation of an important Canaanite stronghold. Jos 15:15-17 From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir… the king of Geder, one; Geder was likely a fortified city in or near the lowland region of Judah, though its precise location is uncertain. Its king ruled an independent Canaanite city-state and was among those defeated as Israel took possession of the land. The record shows that no local ruler could withstand the Lord’s judgment or prevent the inheritance He had given to Israel. Jos 15:36 Shaaraim, Adithaim, and Gederah (or Gederothaim)… the king of Hormah, one; Hormah, meaning “destruction” or “devotion to destruction,” lay in the southern region of Canaan and was associated with Israel’s earlier conflict with the king of Arad. After the Lord gave Israel victory, the place was devoted to destruction, and its name preserved the memory of that judgment. Its inclusion among Joshua’s victories records the final defeat of a fortified Canaanite center in the Negev. Num 21:3 And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up… the king of Arad, one; Arad was a Canaanite city in the Negev whose king had attacked Israel during the wilderness journey. Israel’s later victory over Arad fulfilled the judgment previously vowed against its cities and removed another hostile power from the southern approaches to the land. Num 21:1 When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev,… the king of Libnah, one; Libnah was a fortified city in Judah’s Shephelah, included among the cities conquered under Joshua. It was later assigned to the priests and remained important enough to rebel against Judah in Jehoram’s reign. Its defeat helped secure Israel’s control of the southern lowlands. Jos 10:29-30 Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah… the king of Adullam, one; Adullam stood in the Shephelah near key routes through the southern part of Canaan. Its king’s defeat marked another step in breaking Canaanite resistance in the region. The city later became known as the refuge of David during his flight from Saul. Jos 15:35 Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, the king of Makkedah, one; Makkedah lay in southern Canaan near the Shephelah. After the defeat of the Amorite coalition, its king was among the five rulers captured in the cave near the city and executed by Joshua. The city’s fall marked Israel’s continuing advance through the southern region. Jos 10:28-29 On that day Joshua captured Makkedah and put it to the sword… the king of Bethel, one; Bethel, meaning “House of God,” was an important Canaanite city in the central hill country, later associated with Israel’s worship and national history. Its king was defeated as Israel secured the land assigned to the tribes, showing that even established Canaanite centers could not withstand the Lord’s judgment and Israel’s conquest. Jos 8:12-17 Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and… the king of Tappuah, one; Tappuah, meaning “apple” or “fruitful,” lay in the central highlands near the boundary of Ephraim and Manasseh. Its king ruled a local Canaanite city-state, one of the many fortified centers that resisted Israel’s advance. The city’s defeat helped secure Israel’s control of the hill country and the routes through central Canaan. Jos 17:8 The region of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh… the king of Hepher, one; Hepher was likely located in western Canaan, perhaps near the coastal plain. Though its precise site is uncertain, it remained important enough to appear later among Solomon’s administrative districts. Its conquest further demonstrates the extent of Joshua’s, whose name means “Yahweh is salvation,” campaign against the independent Canaanite kingdoms. 1Ki 4:10 Ben-hesed in Arubboth (Socoh and all the land of Hepher)… the king of Aphek, one; Aphek was a strategically located Canaanite city in the north, associated with important travel routes and later military conflicts. Its king’s defeat marked Israel’s advance into territory long held by fortified city-states. Jos 19:30 Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob. There were twenty-two cities… the king of Lasharon, one; Lasharon refers to Sharon, the fertile coastal plain extending along the Mediterranean. The inclusion of its king shows that Joshua’s victories reached beyond the hill country into productive and strategically significant regions of Canaan. 1Ch 27:29 Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds… the king of Madon, one; Madon belonged to the northern Canaanite coalition led by Jabin of Hazor against Israel. Though its precise location is uncertain, it lay in northern Canaan among the cities gathered to resist Joshua. Its king’s defeat shows that no member of the alliance escaped the judgment God had declared upon the land. Jos 11:1 Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about these things… the king of Hazor, one; Hazor was the leading city of the northern kingdoms, and Jabin its powerful ruler. From Hazor he assembled a vast force to oppose Israel, but Joshua defeated the coalition and destroyed the city. The fall of Hazor broke the chief center of Canaanite resistance and confirmed the Lord’s faithfulness to give Israel the land He had promised. Jos 11:10 At that time Joshua turned back and captured Hazor… the king of Shimron-meron, one; Shimron-meron was a fortified Canaanite city in northern Galilee, associated with the coalition led by Jabin of Hazor against Israel. Its king’s defeat reflects the collapse of Canaanite resistance throughout the north as Joshua carried out the Lord’s command to take the land. Jos 11:1 Now when Jabin king of Hazor heard about these things… the king of Achshaph, one; Achshaph lay in the northern region of Canaan and joined the northern alliance opposing Israel. The defeat of its king records another completed conquest and confirms that the land came into Israel’s possession according to God’s promise. Jdg 1:31 Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants of Acco, Sidon,… the king of Taanach, one; Taanach stood in the Jezreel Valley near important routes through central Canaan. Its fortified position made it a significant Canaanite city-state. Israel’s victory over its king removed another stronghold from the region and advanced the conquest of the land God had promised to Israel. Jdg 1:27 At that time Manasseh failed to drive out… the king of Megiddo, one; Megiddo controlled a strategic pass along major trade and military routes in the Jezreel Valley. Its strength, fortifications, and access to surrounding roads made it a prized Canaanite center. The defeat of its king demonstrated that even the most influential cities of the region could not withstand Israel under Joshua’s leadership. Jdg 5:19 Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan… the king of Kedesh, one; Kedesh stood in the hill country of Naphtali in northern Canaan, near the upper Jordan region. Its king was among those defeated as Joshua secured the land promised to Israel. Kedesh later became a city of refuge, set apart for those guilty of unintentional manslaughter, reflecting God’s provision of justice and mercy. Its refuge function also points to the safety found in Christ for those who flee to Him. Jos 20:7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country… the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; Jokneam lay near Mount Carmel, overlooking a fertile and strategically important region. The defeat of its king helped establish Israel’s control over the central and northern parts of Canaan. The city was later allotted to Zebulun and assigned to the Levites. Carmel would become known in later generations as the setting for Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal, demonstrating the Lord’s authority over false worship. Jos 21:34 This is what the Merarite clan were given:… the king of Dor in Naphath-dor, one; Dor was a fortified Canaanite port on the Mediterranean coast south of Mount Carmel. Naphath-dor designated the surrounding district, an important coastal region later assigned to Manasseh. Its king’s defeat removed a significant Canaanite power and helped secure Israel’s control of the land. Jos 17:11 Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Beth-shean,… the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one; Goiim likely refers to a people or coalition dwelling in the area called Gilgal. Their king stood among the rulers who resisted Israel’s advance. His defeat records the Lord’s complete victory over the varied Canaanite powers opposing the inheritance of His people. Gen 14:1 In those days Amraphel king of Shinar,… and the king of Tirzah, one. Tirzah was a significant Canaanite city later associated with the northern kingdom of Israel. It became a royal residence and capital during the reigns of several northern kings before Samaria was established as the capital. Its inclusion among the defeated kings shows that Israel’s conquest reached important fortified city-states throughout the land. 1Ki 15:33 In the third year of Asa’s reign over Judah… So there were thirty-one kings in all. The thirty-one kings ruled separate Canaanite city-states, reflecting the divided political condition of the land. Their defeat records the extent of Joshua’s victories and the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel possession of Canaan. Jos 10:42 And because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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