Joshua 12:23 - the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;
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What does "Joshua 12:23" mean?
This verse is part of a longer list in Joshua 12, which details the kings defeated by Joshua and the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. It's basically a historical record emphasizing God's power in delivering the Promised Land to Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one;":
Dor: This was a Canaanite city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, south of Mount Carmel. Its location was strategically important for trade and defense. The modern site of Tel Dor has revealed evidence of occupation spanning many periods.
"in the height of Dor": This phrase likely refers to the elevated part of the city, possibly its fortified citadel or high point. It emphasizes the strength and importance of the city.
"one;": This indicates that only one king from Dor is listed. The repetition is consistent with the format of the entire chapter.
Meaning: This segment identifies that the king who ruled over the powerful city of Dor was defeated by Joshua and the Israelites.
"the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;":
Goiim: This is a Hebrew word generally meaning "nations" or "gentiles" (non-Israelites). It's not usually the name of a specific location.
Gilgal: This is where things get tricky. There were several places named Gilgal in ancient Israel. However, this Gilgal is likely not the same Gilgal that was a significant Israelite camp and religious site. Since this is a list of defeated Canaanite kings, this Gilgal was probably a Canaanite city named Gilgal, and separate from the one the Israelites made camp at. So this Gilgal was an important Canaanite city where gentiles lived.
Meaning: This segment identifies that the king who ruled over the gentile people in Gilgal was also defeated.
Overall Significance:
Geographical Extent of Conquest: The list as a whole demonstrates the wide geographical range of Joshua's victories. Dor was on the coast, and this particular Gilgal was inland, showing that the Israelite conquest affected various regions of Canaan.
God's Fulfillment of Promise: The list highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. By defeating these powerful kings, God demonstrated His power and His commitment to His covenant.
Canaanite Diversity: The mention of "Goiim in Gilgal" hints at the diverse ethnic and cultural groups living in Canaan at the time.
Points to Consider:
The exact location of the "Gilgal" mentioned is debated, as the Bible refers to several places named Gilgal. However, based on the context of the list listing Canaanite kings, it should be assumed it is a Canaanite Gilgal separate from the Israelite one.
The details of the battles and the individual kings are not provided in this list. It serves primarily as a summary of victories.
The term "Goiim" is significant as it emphasizes the non-Israelite identity of the people ruled by the king in Gilgal.
In conclusion, Joshua 12:23 is a concise statement documenting the defeat of two Canaanite kings by Joshua and the Israelites, contributing to the overall narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Joshua 12:23 - the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;
What does "Joshua 12:23" mean?
This verse is part of a longer list in Joshua 12, which details the kings defeated by Joshua and the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. It's basically a historical record emphasizing God's power in delivering the Promised Land to Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"the king of Dor in the height of Dor, one;":
Dor: This was a Canaanite city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, south of Mount Carmel. Its location was strategically important for trade and defense. The modern site of Tel Dor has revealed evidence of occupation spanning many periods.
"in the height of Dor": This phrase likely refers to the elevated part of the city, possibly its fortified citadel or high point. It emphasizes the strength and importance of the city.
"one;": This indicates that only one king from Dor is listed. The repetition is consistent with the format of the entire chapter.
Meaning: This segment identifies that the king who ruled over the powerful city of Dor was defeated by Joshua and the Israelites.
"the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;":
Goiim: This is a Hebrew word generally meaning "nations" or "gentiles" (non-Israelites). It's not usually the name of a specific location.
Gilgal: This is where things get tricky. There were several places named Gilgal in ancient Israel. However, this Gilgal is likely not the same Gilgal that was a significant Israelite camp and religious site. Since this is a list of defeated Canaanite kings, this Gilgal was probably a Canaanite city named Gilgal, and separate from the one the Israelites made camp at. So this Gilgal was an important Canaanite city where gentiles lived.
Meaning: This segment identifies that the king who ruled over the gentile people in Gilgal was also defeated.
Overall Significance:
Geographical Extent of Conquest: The list as a whole demonstrates the wide geographical range of Joshua's victories. Dor was on the coast, and this particular Gilgal was inland, showing that the Israelite conquest affected various regions of Canaan.
God's Fulfillment of Promise: The list highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. By defeating these powerful kings, God demonstrated His power and His commitment to His covenant.
Canaanite Diversity: The mention of "Goiim in Gilgal" hints at the diverse ethnic and cultural groups living in Canaan at the time.
Points to Consider:
The exact location of the "Gilgal" mentioned is debated, as the Bible refers to several places named Gilgal. However, based on the context of the list listing Canaanite kings, it should be assumed it is a Canaanite Gilgal separate from the Israelite one.
The details of the battles and the individual kings are not provided in this list. It serves primarily as a summary of victories.
The term "Goiim" is significant as it emphasizes the non-Israelite identity of the people ruled by the king in Gilgal.
In conclusion, Joshua 12:23 is a concise statement documenting the defeat of two Canaanite kings by Joshua and the Israelites, contributing to the overall narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan and the fulfillment of God's promises.