Joshua 12:12
the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;
the king of Eglon, one;
Eglon was a Canaanite city located in the Shephelah region of Judah. It was part of the coalition of five Amorite kings who opposed Israel during Joshua's conquest of Canaan. The mention of "one" signifies the singular defeat of each king, emphasizing the completeness of Israel's victory. Eglon is also noted in the biblical narrative for its strategic location, which provided control over trade routes. The defeat of its king symbolizes the breaking of Canaanite power and the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Israel. This victory is a testament to God's faithfulness and the Israelites' obedience to His commands.

the king of Gezer, one;
Gezer was a significant Canaanite city-state located in the foothills of the Judean mountains. It held strategic importance due to its position on the Via Maris, an ancient trade route connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of its fortifications, indicating its strength and influence. The defeat of the king of Gezer highlights the dismantling of Canaanite resistance and the establishment of Israelite control over key regions. Gezer is later mentioned in the context of Solomon's reign, when it was given as a dowry by Pharaoh to Solomon's wife, indicating its continued importance. The victory over Gezer's king underscores the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

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

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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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