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.

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.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.Verse 15. - Adullam. In the Shephelah (valley in our version. See ch. 15:33-35). Canon Tristram in his 'Bible Lands,' as well as Conder in his 'Handbook,' identify this with Aid-el-Me, or Mich. In the Quarterly Paper of the Palestine Exploration Fund for July, 1875 (see also Jan., 1874), Lieut. Conder details a visit to this place, previously identified by M. Clermont-Ganneau. These explorers reject the idea approved by Vandevelde and others, that this Deir Dabban is the ancient Adullam. The place he prefers fulfils all requirements. It is in the Shephelah. It is near Jarmuth and Socoh. It is an ancient site with "rock cut tombs, good water supply, and main road, and communications from different sides, and it is moreover a strong military position. It contains no remarkable cave, but a number of small ones, now used as habitations by the peasantry." Keilah, which David saved from the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:1-5), was within a reasonable distance. The present name, Aid-el-Me or Mieh, the feast of the hundred, may be a misapprehension of the word Adullam similar to that which converts the Welsh "yr eifel," in Carnarvonshire, into the English "the rivals," or which identifies in many English names the English burn (brook) with the French borne (boundary). One of the greatest objections to the theory is that the Hebrew so frequently speaks of the place as Cave-Adullam (Ma'arah-Adullam), as though some special cave existed there. Adullam plays a somewhat important part in Scripture history. We hear of it as early as Genesis 38, where Hirah the Adullamite is spoken of as a friend of the patriarch Judah.. It is well known as the refuge of David and his mighty men (1 Samuel 22:1; 2 Samuel 23:13-17). It was the place where David composed two of his psalms, the 57th and the 142nd. Rehoboam fortified it (2 Chronicles 11:7). It seems to be regarded as a refuge in Micah 1:15. And it is mentioned among the cities re-occupied after the return from the captivity in Nehemiah 11:30.

Parallel Commentaries ...


the king
מֶ֤לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Libnah,
לִבְנָה֙ (liḇ·nāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3841: Libnah -- a city in soutwest Judah, also a place in the wilderness

one;
אֶחָ֔ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

the king
מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Adullam,
עֲדֻלָּ֖ם (‘ă·ḏul·lām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5725: Adullam -- a Canaanite city

one;
אֶחָֽד׃ (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first


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OT History: Joshua 12:15 The king of Libnah one (Josh. Jos)