the king of Dor in Naphath-dor, one;
Dor was an ancient Canaanite city located on the Mediterranean coast, strategically positioned between Mount Carmel and Caesarea. It was known for its maritime trade and was a significant city during the time of Joshua. The term "Naphath-dor" refers to the region surrounding Dor, often translated as "heights of Dor," indicating its elevated position. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of fortifications and artifacts that attest to its historical importance. In biblical context, Dor was allotted to the tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 17:11), although it remained a Canaanite stronghold for some time. The mention of the "king of Dor" signifies the city's prominence and the necessity of its conquest for Israel's control over the land. This conquest fulfills God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan, demonstrating His faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands.

the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;
The term "Goiim" is often translated as "nations" or "peoples," and its exact identification is debated among scholars. It may refer to a coalition of different groups or tribes rather than a single ethnic entity. The location "Gilgal" is significant in Israel's history, as it was the first encampment of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:19-20). Gilgal served as a base for military operations during the conquest of Canaan and was a place of spiritual renewal, where the Israelites celebrated the Passover and circumcised the new generation (Joshua 5:2-12). The mention of the "king of Goiim in Gilgal" highlights the diverse opposition Israel faced in claiming the Promised Land. It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His power to subdue them before His chosen people. This conquest can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual forces of darkness, as He establishes His kingdom and reigns over all nations.

1. King of Dor
Dor was a significant Canaanite city located near the Mediterranean coast. The king of Dor was one of the many rulers defeated by Joshua as the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land.

2. Naphath-dor
This refers to the region surrounding the city of Dor. It was known for its strategic location and fertile lands.

3. King of Goiim
The term "Goiim" often refers to nations or peoples. In this context, it likely refers to a coalition of different groups or a specific people group in the region of Gilgal.

4. Gilgal
A location of great significance in Israel's history, Gilgal was the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. It served as a base for their military operations in Canaan.

5. Joshua's Conquests
This verse is part of a larger passage listing the kings defeated by Joshua, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan.God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The listing of defeated kings, including those of Dor and Goiim, underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives.

The Importance of Obedience and Perseverance
Joshua's conquests required obedience and perseverance. Christians are called to remain faithful and diligent in their spiritual battles.

The Consequences of Incomplete Obedience
The continued presence of Canaanites in some areas, like Dor, serves as a warning about the dangers of incomplete obedience to God's commands.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The defeat of various kings and peoples illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations, reminding believers of His ultimate authority and control.Verse 23. - The nations of Gilgal. Or the nations that belong to Gilgal. This is identified by Yandevelde and Conder with Jiljulieh in the plain of Jordan, north of Antipatris, and is therefore, if this identification be correct, a third Gilgal. The word "nations" most probably signifies a diversity of tribes of various races gathered together under the headship of the king of Gilgal, much in the same way that the kingdom of Mercia arose in England from a confused mass of various tribes, gathered together on the marches, or military frontiers, between Britons, Saxons and English, or in the same way that the Austrian and Turkish empires have been formed out of a congeries of various nationalities. So we read of "Tidal king of nations" in Genesis 14:1. But others regard the "nations" (Goim) mentioned there as equivalent to the Gutinm of the Babylonian tablets - i.e., Semitic tribes imperfectly organised, then dwelling in Babylonia, and prefer the LXX. reading, Θαργάλ, in Genesis 14:1, which Sir Henry Rawlinson considers equivalent to the Accadian Tur Gal, or "great chief." So Sayce, 'Babl. Lit.,' p. 23; Tomkins, 'Studies on the Time of Abraham.' See Introduction III.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

of Dor
דּ֛וֹר (dō·wr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1756: Dor -- a city in Palestine

in Naphath-dor,
לְנָפַ֥ת (lə·nā·p̄aṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5299: A height, a sieve

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

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

of Goiim
גּוֹיִ֥ם (gō·w·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

in Gilgal,
לְגִלְגָּ֖ל (lə·ḡil·gāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1537: Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine

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


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OT History: Joshua 12:23 The king of Dor in the height (Josh. Jos)