Joshua 12:23
the king of Dor in Naphath-dor, one; the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;
the king of Dor in Naphath-dor, one;

Dor was a fortified Canaanite port on the Mediterranean coast south of Mount Carmel. Naphath-dor designated the surrounding district, an important coastal region later assigned to Manasseh. Its king’s defeat removed a significant Canaanite power and helped secure Israel’s control of the land.

Jos 17:11 Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Beth-shean,…
Jdg 1:27 At that time Manasseh failed to drive out…
1Ki 4:11 Ben-abinadab in Naphath-dor (Taphath, a daughter of Solomon…

the king of Goiim in Gilgal, one;

Goiim likely refers to a people or coalition dwelling in the area called Gilgal. Their king stood among the rulers who resisted Israel’s advance. His defeat records the Lord’s complete victory over the varied Canaanite powers opposing the inheritance of His people.

Gen 14:1 In those days Amraphel king of Shinar,…
Gen 14:9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam,…
Isa 9:1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom…

Persons / Places / Events
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.
Teaching Points
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.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the defeat of the king of Dor demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises to Israel? Reflect on a promise from God that you have seen fulfilled in your life.

2. What can we learn from Joshua's leadership and obedience in the conquest of Canaan that applies to our spiritual journey today?

3. In what ways does the presence of Canaanites in Dor after the initial conquest serve as a warning for us in our walk with God?

4. How does the concept of "Goiim" or nations in this passage relate to the Great Commission given by Jesus in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a situation where you have experienced God's sovereignty in your life. How does acknowledging His control impact your daily decisions and faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 11:1-2
Provides context for the battles against the northern kings, including the king of Dor, showing the broader campaign led by Joshua.

Judges 1:27
Mentions the continued presence of Canaanites in Dor, indicating the incomplete conquest and the challenges Israel faced in fully possessing the land.

Genesis 10:5
The term "Goiim" is used to describe nations, connecting to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all peoples.
The Goodness and Severity of GodA. B. Mackay.Joshua 12:1-24
The Catalogue of the VanquishedR. Glover Joshua 12:7-24
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Arad, Canaanites, Debir, Eglon, Gad, Gadites, Geshurites, Hepher, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Joshua, Maacah, Maacathites, Maachathites, Manasseh, Og, Perizzites, Rephaites, Reubenites, Seir, Shimron, Sihon, Tappuah, Tirzah
Places
Achshaph, Adullam, Ai, Aphek, Arabah, Arad, Aroer, Ashtaroth, Baal-gad, Bashan, Bethel, Beth-jeshimoth, Carmel, Debir, Dor, Edrei, Eglon, Galilee, Geder, Gezer, Gilead, Hazor, Hebron, Hepher, Heshbon, Hormah, Jabbok River, Jarmuth, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokneam, Jordan River, Kedesh, Lachish, Lasharon, Libnah, Madon, Makkedah, Megiddo, Mount Halak, Mount Hermon, Naphath-dor, Negeb, Pisgah, Salecah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinneroth, Sea of the Arabah, Seir, Shimron-meron, Taanach, Tappuah, Tirzah, Valley of Lebanon, Valley of the Arnon
Topics
Border, Coast, Dor, Elevation, Galilee, Gilgal, Goiim, Goi'im, Goim, Goyim, Height, Heights, Hill, Naphath-dor, Naphoth, Nations, Region, Upland
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 12:8

     4245   hills

Library
Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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