Joshua 12:10
the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one;
the king of Jerusalem, one;
Jerusalem, a significant city throughout biblical history, was originally inhabited by the Jebusites. The mention of its king here highlights its importance even in the early conquest narratives. Jerusalem later becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel under King David (2 Samuel 5:6-9). The city's strategic location made it a key target during Joshua's conquests. The defeat of its king signifies the beginning of Israel's dominance in the region. Jerusalem is also prophetically significant, being central to eschatological events (Zechariah 14:2-4) and the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, symbolizing the ultimate victory over sin and death.

the king of Hebron, one;
Hebron is one of the oldest cities in the region, with deep patriarchal roots, as it was associated with Abraham, who settled there (Genesis 13:18). It later became a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Joshua 21:11-13). The defeat of its king by Joshua is significant as it represents the reclaiming of a land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Hebron is also where David was anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-4), marking the beginning of his reign. The city's history and its connection to the patriarchs underscore the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King of Jerusalem
This refers to the ruler of Jerusalem during the time of Joshua's conquests. Jerusalem was a significant city in biblical history, later becoming the capital of Israel and the site of the Temple.

2. King of Hebron
The ruler of Hebron, another important city in the biblical account. Hebron is notable for its association with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and later as a city of refuge and a Levitical city.

3. Joshua's Conquests
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 promises to Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The listing of defeated kings, including those of Jerusalem and Hebron, demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives.

Spiritual Warfare and Victory
Just as Joshua led Israel in physical battles, Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare. Victory comes through faith and obedience to God's commands.

Significance of Place in God's Plan
Jerusalem and Hebron are not just historical locations but are integral to God's redemptive plan. Recognizing the significance of place can deepen our understanding of God's work in history.

Leadership and Obedience
Joshua's leadership and the obedience of the Israelites serve as a model for Christian leadership and the importance of following God's direction.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of the king of Jerusalem in Joshua 12:10 foreshadow the city's future significance in biblical history?

2. In what ways does the conquest of Hebron connect to God's promises to the patriarchs, and how can this encourage us in our faith journey?

3. What can we learn from Joshua's leadership in the conquest of these cities that applies to spiritual leadership today?

4. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in the New Testament relate to the physical battles described in Joshua 12?

5. Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does the fulfillment of God's promises in Joshua encourage you to trust Him more fully?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 14
This chapter mentions Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Jerusalem), establishing the city's early significance and its connection to God's people.

2 Samuel 5
David conquers Jerusalem, making it the capital of Israel, which underscores the city's enduring importance in Israel's history.

Numbers 13
The spies sent by Moses explore Hebron, emphasizing its historical and spiritual significance as a land promised to the descendants of Abraham.
The Goodness and Severity of GodA. B. Mackay.Joshua 12:1-24
The Catalogue of the VanquishedR. Glover Joshua 12:7-24
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
Hebron, Jerusalem
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 12:8

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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

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