Joshua 12:1-24

KINGS CONQUERED BY MOSES

(vs.1-6)

A list is given now of those kings defeated by Israel before they crossed the Jordan, while Moses was still living. We have read of them in Deuteronomy, and shall say not more about them, though the Spirit of God has always real reason for repeating matters of history, whether or not we understand those reasons. The lands conquered at that time were given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh.

KINGS CONQUERED BY JOSHUA

(vs.7-24)

The list of these kings whom Joshua captured in the country west of Jordan is intended to teach us spiritual lessons of importance, and if we find them difficult to interpret, this indicates that we have not taken possession as we might of some truths that God has given us title to. The only clue to understanding these is in the meaning of the names of the cities. Some of the kings are before mentioned by name, and these are for our help, but only the cities are spoken of by name here. There may be some things here that we find enjoyable for ourselves too, while hesitant to interpret them for others lest we should not be accurate. However, there are others that seem more simple of interpretation, and we should be encouraged, not to be dogmatic, but to seek what may be truly beneficial spiritually.

In listing the kings overcome by Joshua, the mountain country, lowlands and wilderness are mentioned in verse 8. The mountain country reminds - us of the heights of blessing to which the saints of God have been raised "in heavenly places in Christ," high above the common level. It is wonderful to take possession of this. On the other hand, the lowlands are also a needed possession, for if we have a high position, we need this balanced by a lowly, humble walk, as willing servants. Have we really taken possession of this aspect of the truth of God? But wilderness areas are important too, for here we learn that circumstances in the world are so barren and distressing as to be an acute testing of our faith. If we have the faith to triumph over the rigors of wilderness experience, then we have virtually taken possession of the wilderness!

Six nations in which these cities were included are also mentioned in verse 8. Hittites are "the children of fear," and remind us of those "who through fear, of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15). Conquering the fear of death is part of true Christian character. The meaning of Amorites is "sayers." Sadly, such Amorite character was later found among the leaders of Israel, of whom the Lord Jesus said, "they say, and do not" (Matthew 23:2). But let every believer fully judge the evil of a glib tongue without proper action to back it up. Canaanites means "traffickers," speaking of those who make merchandise of the things of God, such as we see when the Lord cast out of the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers (John 2:14). We too must judge fully the evil of using the precious truth of Christ as a means of material gain.

Perizzites are "squatters," those who take over property that is not theirs, so that they picture those who want to pass as Christians though they have not been converted to God. Believers are called upon to expose this evil and expel it. This property rightly belongs to faith, therefore let us by faith take it from those to whom it does not belong.

Hivites picture a more subtle form of opposition to the truth. The name means "livers," emphasizing how a person lives. They will tell us that the importantthing is not the doctrine that one believes, but the way helives. It is true that Christianity calls for a godly, upright life, but if it is not based upon the truth of the teachings of scripture, though that life may seem commendable to many people, yet it is merely a facade that covers up the evil within. "For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be be according to their works" (2 Corinthians 11:14). If Christ is not the Object of people's living, then their living is empty show. Believers must conquer this evil by a genuine confession of Christ and a life consistent with this.

Finally, the Jebusites ("treaders down") picture a more bold, open defiance of the truth of Christianity. While the Hivites were more like the Pharisees, putting on a show of righteous living, the Jebusites resemble the Sadducees, who wanted religious recognition, but trampled on some of the most vital truths of the Word of God. They rejected the truth of resurrection and denied the existence of angels or spirits (Acts 23:8). Thus, they are characterized by the negative principle of what they are against. Such sects as "Jehovah's Witnesses" are in this class. They tread down what is of vital value. The faith of a believer again triumphs over this enemy of God.

In the six nations were included the 31 cities listed in verses 9-24, all of which Joshua conquered. While we may not be able to decipher the special evil involved in each case, believers will no doubt have to face specific details connected with the six major evils we have noted, and learn to judge them.