College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Joshua 12 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 12
Summary of Moses-' conquest. Moses led the people in battle with Sihon, king of the Amorites, and against Og, king of Bashan, These conquests are mentioned in a succinct fashion before more detailed consideration is given to a summary of the conquest of the people of Israel under the leadership of Joshua, The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh settled in the land taken in the conquest led by Moses.
A general outline of Joshua's conquered territory. The land which Joshua captured for the people of Israel is described in a general way as lying west of the Jordan River. It extended from the Lebanon Mountains in the north to the smooth mountain, Mt. Halak, near the territory of Edom in the south. Topographically it was mountains, valleys, plains, springs, wilderness, and the south country.
A list of the kings defeated by Joshua. Thirty-one kings were defeated by the children of Israel under the leadership of Joshua. The first one mentioned whom they attacked was the king of Jericho. The last one named was the king of Tirzah, evidently one of the kings who had taken part in the northern coalition.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Christian life is a warfare. The Bible is replete with references which place God-fearing people in the role of fighters. This is true not only of the New Testament, but of the Old Testament as well. Moses was primarily the great law-giver, but it was also his lot to lead Israel in their first battles. Although some may not be engaged in polemics in Christian living and teaching as much as others, all must fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
2.
God keeps His word. When God called Abraham out of the Ur of Chaldees, He said He would make of him a great nation. Later he told him He would give him the land of Canaan as his possession, displacing the nations who dwelt in the land at the time (Genesis 15:18). This promise was repeated to Jacob as he lay on the ground at Bethel (Genesis 28:13). Abraham and Jacob did not see the fulfillment of these promises, but God kept His word. The promise was fulfilled in the days of Joshua as they drove the Canaanites from the Promised Land. God is just as faithful to His promises of special blessings to those who trust Him today. He never fails.
3.
None can withstand God. Thirty-one different kings are listed among those who hardened their hearts and resisted the onrush of the people of God. The last verses of this chapter are like a casualty list of those who threw away their lives and reaped punishment as a result. Christians today should be very careful lest they should make the same mistake and eventually find their names are not in the book of life, but are rather listed with those who have attempted to resist God.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 12
1.
What two kings did Moses overthrow?
2.
What three tribes settled in the land taken by Moses?
3.
On which side of the Jordan River was the land taken by Moses?
4.
What river formed the southern border of the land taken by Moses?
5.
What mountain was on the northern border of the land taken by Moses?
6.
What king is sometimes described as a descendant of giants?
7.
What mountain is described as the northern border of the land taken by Joshua?
8.
What mountain is given as the southern border of the land taken by Joshua?
9.
How many kings in all did Joshua overthrow?
10.
What six names are given to the Canaanite tribes whom Israel drove out?