Joshua 12:15
the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;
the king of Libnah, one;
Libnah was a city in the Shephelah region of ancient Judah. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, notably in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. The city was allotted to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:42) and later became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:13). The mention of "one" king indicates the singularity of the conquest, emphasizing the completeness of Israel's victory over the Canaanite kings. Libnah's rebellion against Judah during the reign of King Jehoram (2 Kings 8:22) suggests its strategic importance and possibly its fortified nature. Archaeological evidence suggests that Libnah was a significant settlement during the Late Bronze Age, aligning with the biblical timeline of the conquest. The defeat of the king of Libnah is part of the broader narrative of God's faithfulness in delivering the Promised Land to the Israelites, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

the king of Adullam, one;
Adullam is best known for its association with David, who sought refuge in the Cave of Adullam while fleeing from King Saul (1 Samuel 22:1-2). This city was also located in the Shephelah, a region characterized by its rolling hills and fertile valleys, making it a valuable area for agriculture and settlement. The mention of the king of Adullam in the list of defeated kings underscores the thoroughness of Joshua's campaign in subduing the land. Adullam's strategic location made it a key target in securing the southern part of Canaan. The singular "one" again highlights the individual defeat of each king, symbolizing the dismantling of Canaanite power structures. The conquest of Adullam and its king is a testament to the divine mandate given to Joshua and the Israelites, as they acted as instruments of God's judgment against the idolatrous nations of Canaan. This victory, like others, prefigures the ultimate triumph of Christ over sin and death, as He establishes His kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King of Libnah
Libnah was a city in the Shephelah region of Judah. The king of Libnah was one of the Canaanite kings defeated by Joshua during the conquest of the Promised Land. The name "Libnah" means "whiteness" in Hebrew, possibly referring to the white stones or chalky soil of the area.

2. King of Adullam
Adullam was another city in the Shephelah, known for its strategic location. The king of Adullam was also defeated by Joshua. Adullam is historically significant as the location of the Cave of Adullam, where David sought refuge from King Saul.

3. Joshua's Conquest
This verse is part of a larger passage listing the kings defeated by Joshua as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. This conquest was a fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The listing of defeated kings, including those of Libnah and Adullam, demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives.

The Importance of Obedience
Joshua's success in conquering these cities was due to his obedience to God's commands. Obedience to God leads to victory in spiritual battles.

Historical and Spiritual Significance
Understanding the historical context of these cities enriches our comprehension of biblical events and their spiritual implications.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The defeat of these kings illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations and leaders. Believers can find comfort in God's ultimate control over world events.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of the king of Libnah and the king of Adullam demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we apply Joshua's obedience to God's commands in our own spiritual battles today?

3. How does the historical significance of Adullam, particularly in David's life, enhance our understanding of its mention in Joshua 12:15?

4. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the list of defeated kings in Joshua 12, and how does this influence our view of current world events?

5. How do the events in Joshua 12:15 connect to the broader account of God's covenant with Abraham, and what does this teach us about God's long-term plans for His people?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 10:29-39
This passage details the specific battles and victories over the cities of Libnah and Adullam, providing context to the brief mention in Joshua 12:15.

1 Samuel 22:1-2
This passage describes David's time in the Cave of Adullam, highlighting the city's continued significance in Israel's history.

Genesis 15:18-21
God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land of Canaan to his descendants, which is being fulfilled through Joshua's conquests.
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
Adullam, Libnah
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

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