Joshua 12:12
the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;
the king of Eglon
The mention of "the king of Eglon" refers to one of the Canaanite kings defeated by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. Eglon was a significant city-state in the southern region of Canaan. The Hebrew root for Eglon is "עֶגְלוֹן" (Eglon), which may mean "calf-like" or "round." Historically, Eglon was part of a coalition of Amorite kings who opposed Israel's advance into the Promised Land. The defeat of Eglon's king signifies God's faithfulness in delivering the land to the Israelites, fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This victory underscores the theme of divine intervention and the importance of obedience to God's commands.

one
The repetition of the word "one" in this verse emphasizes the individual defeat of each king. It highlights the thoroughness and completeness of Israel's conquest under Joshua's leadership. Each "one" signifies a distinct victory, pointing to the methodical and divinely guided nature of the campaign. The use of "one" also serves to remind the reader of the unity and singularity of purpose in God's plan for Israel. It is a testament to the power of God working through His chosen people to accomplish His will.

the king of Gezer
"the king of Gezer" refers to another Canaanite ruler defeated by Joshua. Gezer was a prominent city located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel. The Hebrew root for Gezer is "גֶּזֶר" (Gezer), which may mean "portion" or "cut off." Archaeological evidence suggests that Gezer was a fortified city with significant strategic importance. The defeat of its king represents the dismantling of Canaanite power structures and the establishment of Israelite control. This victory is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to give the land to the descendants of Israel.

one
Again, the word "one" is used to denote the singular defeat of the king of Gezer. This repetition serves to reinforce the idea of individual victories contributing to the overall success of Israel's conquest. It highlights the precision and intentionality of God's plan, as each king's defeat is a step toward the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel. The use of "one" also reflects the unity of the Israelite tribes under Joshua's leadership, as they work together to claim the inheritance promised to them by God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King of Eglon
Eglon was a Canaanite city-state whose king was defeated by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. The city was part of the coalition of southern Canaanite kings who opposed Israel.

2. King of Gezer
Gezer was another significant Canaanite city-state. Its king was also defeated by Joshua. Gezer was strategically located and had historical significance in the region.

3. Joshua's Conquest
This verse is part of a larger passage listing the kings defeated by Joshua and the Israelites as they took possession of the Promised Land. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The defeat of these kings demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well.

The Importance of Obedience
Joshua's success was rooted in his obedience to God's commands. Christians are called to obey God's Word, trusting that His ways lead to victory.

Spiritual Warfare and Victory
Just as Joshua faced physical battles, believers face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The defeat of these kings shows God's sovereignty over nations and rulers. This encourages believers to trust in God's control over world events today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of the king of Eglon and the king of Gezer demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life.

2. In what ways can Joshua's obedience to God's commands inspire us in our daily walk with Christ? Consider how obedience impacts your spiritual victories.

3. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 relate to the physical battles described in Joshua 12? What "armor" do you need to put on today?

4. What does the sovereignty of God over the kings and nations in Joshua 12 teach us about His control over current world events? How can this understanding affect your prayer life?

5. Reflect on a situation where you need to trust God's promises. How can the account of Joshua's conquests encourage you to remain faithful and patient?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 10
This chapter details the southern campaign of Joshua, where the coalition of five Amorite kings, including the king of Eglon, was defeated. It provides context for the list of defeated kings in Joshua 12.

Exodus 23:23-24
God's promise to send an angel before Israel to bring them into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and to cut them off. This promise is being fulfilled in Joshua 12.

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
God's command to Israel to utterly destroy the nations in the Promised Land and not to make covenants with them. Joshua 12 shows the obedience to this command.
The Goodness and Severity of GodA. B. Mackay.Joshua 12:1-24
The Catalogue of the VanquishedR. Glover Joshua 12:7-24
The Partition of the Land of CanaanE. De Pressense Joshua 12:12, 13
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Arad, Canaanites, Debir, Eglon, Gad, Gadites, Geshurites, Hepher, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joshua, Maacah, Maacathites, Maachathites, Manasseh, Og, Perizzites, Rephaites, Reubenites, Seir, Shimron, Sihon, Tappuah, Tirzah
Places
Achshaph, Adullam, Ai, Aphek, Arabah, Arad, Aroer, Ashtaroth, Baal-gad, Bashan, Bethel, Beth-jeshimoth, Carmel, Debir, Dor, Edrei, Eglon, Galilee, Geder, Gezer, Gilead, Hazor, Hebron, Hepher, Heshbon, Hormah, Jabbok River, Jarmuth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokneam, Jordan River, Kedesh, Lachish, Lasharon, Libnah, Madon, Makkedah, Megiddo, Mount Halak, Mount Hermon, Naphath-dor, Negeb, Pisgah, Salecah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinneroth, Sea of the Arabah, Seir, Shimron-meron, Taanach, Tappuah, Tirzah, Valley of Lebanon, Valley of the Arnon
Topics
Eglon, Gezer
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 12:8

     4245   hills

Library
Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Joshua 12:12 NIV
Joshua 12:12 NLT
Joshua 12:12 ESV
Joshua 12:12 NASB
Joshua 12:12 KJV

Joshua 12:12 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 12:11
Top of Page
Top of Page