What is the meaning of Joshua 12:5?

He ruled over Mount Hermon

- “He ruled over Mount Hermon…” (BSB, excerpt)

- Mount Hermon marks the northernmost limit of Israel’s conquest (De 3:8; Psalm 133:3).

- By naming this peak, Scripture affirms that even the lofty places came under God-given authority.

- God’s promise to give Abraham’s descendants “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18) is unfolding, mountain by mountain.

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Salecah

- “Salecah…” (BSB, excerpt)

- Salecah sat on Bashan’s eastern edge (Deuteronomy 3:10).

- Including an outlying city shows how completely Og’s territory was subdued—God leaves no pockets of resistance (Numbers 21:33-35).

- For Israel, each named town is a reminder that the LORD’s victories are tangible, not theoretical.

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All of Bashan

- “…all of Bashan up to the border of the Geshurites” (BSB, excerpt)

- Bashan was famed for fertile pastures and mighty oaks (Amos 4:1; Isaiah 2:13).

- Taking “all” of it signals that God provides not merely survival land but rich abundance.

- Conquering a region celebrated for strength magnifies the LORD’s supremacy over worldly power (Psalm 68:15-16).

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Up to the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites

- “…and Maacathites…” (BSB, excerpt)

- These small peoples bordered Israel yet were not fully driven out (Joshua 13:13).

- The verse sets clear, God-defined boundaries, teaching Israel to respect limits He establishes while trusting Him for future victories (Exodus 23:31).

- The detail underscores historical accuracy—real borders, real neighbors, real covenant responsibilities.

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Half of Gilead to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon

- “…and half of Gilead to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.” (BSB, excerpt)

- Gilead lay east of the Jordan, later allotted to Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh (Joshua 13:24-31).

- Mentioning Sihon recalls the earlier conquest that opened the eastern front (Numbers 21:21-32).

- Together with Og, Sihon formed a paired testimony: when Israel obeys, even giants and kings fall (Deuteronomy 29:7).

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summary

Joshua 12:5 catalogs conquered regions to spotlight God’s faithfulness in vivid geographic detail. Every mountain, city, pasture, and border line shouts that the LORD keeps His promises completely and concretely.