What is the meaning of Joshua 12:20? The king of Shimron-meron, one Joshua 12:20 begins by noting, “the king of Shimron-meron, one”. Earlier, this same king appears in Joshua 11:1–5, where Jabin king of Hazor gathers a northern coalition against Israel. Shimron-meron’s defeat illustrates several truths: • God’s promise of victory is comprehensive. In Deuteronomy 7:24 the Lord said He would “deliver their kings into your hand,” and here we see that promise kept. • No enemy is too remote or too obscure. Shimron-meron was likely a smaller city in Galilee (Joshua 19:15), yet its king is listed side by side with more prominent rulers, showing the Lord leaves no loose ends. • Israel’s obedience brings tangible results. After Joshua obeyed the divine command “Do not be afraid of them” (Joshua 11:6), every king fell, including this one. The record in Joshua 11:8-12 confirms the swift, total victory. • The verse underscores historical reality. A lone, named king counters any notion that these battles are mere legend; they are specific, datable events in a real land with real rulers (cf. Psalm 78:55). The king of Achshaph, one The same verse continues, “the king of Achshaph, one”. Achshaph lay near the northwestern border allotted to Asher (Joshua 19:25). Its king also joined Jabin’s alliance (Joshua 11:1). From his downfall we can draw: • God’s reach extends to the coastline. Achshaph was closer to the Mediterranean, hinting at future expansion toward the sea (Judges 1:31). • Every coalition opposed to God’s people ultimately collapses. What looked formidable in Joshua 11:4-5—“They came out with all their troops, a great horde”—vanishes from the stage in one sentence here. • The single word “one” after each king reminds us Israel faced multiple isolated threats, yet each was handled individually by God. Psalm 44:3 affirms, “It was not by their sword that they won the land…but it was by Your right hand.” • The concise listing teaches that God’s victories are not only grand stories but also orderly historical records (cf. Exodus 17:14), encouraging future generations to trust His faithfulness. summary Joshua 12:20 may read like a brief ledger entry, yet it proclaims that God kept His word down to the last, seemingly minor king. Shimron-meron and Achshaph represent real places, real resistance, and real triumph accomplished by the Lord through Joshua’s obedient leadership. Their inclusion assures us that no foe, however small or distant, escapes God’s notice or His power to save His people completely. |
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