Joshua 12:10
The king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one;
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Jerusalem (ancient Jebus) and Hebron were major Bronze Age fortified cities. Archaeological evidence shows Jerusalem's Jebusite population persisted after Joshua's era. Hebron's identification with Kiriath-arba (14:15) connects it to the Anakim, giants whom Caleb later dispossessed—demonstrating that 'defeated' kings didn't always mean immediate total occupation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jerusalem's listing as 'defeated' yet remaining unconquered until David illustrate the 'already/not yet' nature of God's kingdom promises?
- What does Hebron's connection to Abraham's faith (buying burial ground) teach about claiming God's promises through both spiritual inheritance and practical action?
- How should Joshua's name meaning 'YHWH saves' (Greek: Jesus) shape your understanding of conquest narratives as ultimately about salvation, not nationalism?
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Analysis & Commentary
The king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one—Jerusalem (Yerushalayim, יְרוּשָׁלַיִם) appears here as a defeated enemy, yet Judges 1:8, 21 reveals incomplete conquest—the Jebusites remained until David (2 Samuel 5:6-9). This partial fulfillment foreshadows Christ's kingdom: inaugurated but not yet consummated. Hebron (Chevron, חֶבְרוֹן, from chaver, 'friend/alliance') was where Abraham purchased burial ground (Genesis 23), making it sacred patriarchal territory.
These two cities frame Israel's central highlands—Jerusalem the political-spiritual center, Hebron the patriarchal connection. Their kings' defeat demonstrates covenant fulfillment: the land promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21) now comes into Israel's possession through Joshua, whose name means 'YHWH saves'—the Hebrew form of 'Jesus.'