Joshua 12:20

the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;

Study Bible

the king of Shimron-meron
The phrase "the king of Shimron-meron" refers to one of the Canaanite kings defeated by Joshua and the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. Shimron-meron is believed to be located in the region of Galilee. The name "Shimron" may derive from the Hebrew root "shamar," meaning "to watch" or "to guard," suggesting a place of vigilance or strategic importance. Historically, this reflects the fortified nature of many Canaanite cities, which were often built on elevated sites for defense. The mention of this king underscores the comprehensive nature of Israel's conquest, as they systematically dismantled the power structures of the land.

one
The repetition of the word "one" in this verse emphasizes the individual defeat of each king. It highlights the thoroughness of Joshua's campaign, as each king and their respective city were conquered. This enumeration serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the land to the Israelites. The singularity of "one" also reflects the personal nature of God's judgment against these kings, who opposed His people and His purposes.

the king of Achshaph
"Achshaph" is another Canaanite city whose king was defeated by Joshua. The name "Achshaph" may be related to the Hebrew root "kashaph," meaning "to practice sorcery" or "to enchant," suggesting that the city may have been associated with pagan practices or idolatry. This aligns with the biblical narrative that portrays the Canaanite cities as centers of moral and spiritual corruption, which God commanded Israel to eradicate. The defeat of the king of Achshaph symbolizes the triumph of God's holiness over the paganism of the land.

one
Again, the use of "one" underscores the methodical and complete nature of the conquest. Each king's defeat is recorded individually, signifying the precision and orderliness of God's plan. This repetition serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His promises. It also reflects the accountability of each king before God, as they are individually named and judged for their opposition to His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King of Shimron-meron
This refers to the ruler of Shimron-meron, a city in the region of Canaan. The city was one of the many that Joshua and the Israelites conquered during their campaign to take possession of the Promised Land.

2. King of Achshaph
This is the ruler of Achshaph, another city in Canaan. Like Shimron-meron, Achshaph was part of the coalition of cities that opposed Israel's advance and was subsequently defeated by Joshua.

3. Joshua's Conquest
The listing of these kings is part of a broader account of Joshua's military victories in Canaan. This chapter summarizes the kings and territories defeated by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The conquest of Canaan, including the defeat of kings like those of Shimron-meron and Achshaph, demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land.

The Importance of Obedience
Joshua's success was rooted in his obedience to God's commands. This serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our actions with God's will to achieve His purposes.

Spiritual Warfare and Victory
The physical battles faced by Joshua can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Believers are called to be vigilant and rely on God's strength to overcome spiritual adversaries.

The Consequences of Resistance to God
The fate of the Canaanite kings serves as a warning about the consequences of resisting God's plans. It underscores the importance of submitting to God's authority.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the defeat of the kings of Shimron-meron and Achshaph illustrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Consider the broader account of Israel's history.

2. In what ways can Joshua's obedience to God's commands inspire us in our daily walk with Christ? Reflect on specific areas of your life where obedience is challenging.

3. How can the concept of spiritual warfare be applied to the challenges you face today? What "battles" are you currently fighting, and how can you rely on God's strength to overcome them?

4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by the Canaanite kings who opposed Israel? How does this apply to the modern context of resisting God's will?

5. How do the victories in Joshua 12 connect with the broader theme of God's enduring love and faithfulness as seen in Psalm 136? How can this assurance of God's love impact your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 11
This chapter provides the account context for the list in Joshua 12, detailing the battles and strategies Joshua employed to defeat the northern kings, including those of Shimron-meron and Achshaph.

Deuteronomy 7
This passage outlines God's command to Israel to conquer and possess the land of Canaan, emphasizing the need to destroy the nations inhabiting it to avoid idolatry and maintain purity of worship.

Psalm 136
This psalm recounts God's enduring love and faithfulness, including His acts of deliverance and victory for Israel, which would include the conquests under Joshua.