Joshua – Chapter 12

Old Testament • 24 Verses

Chapter Summary

"These are the kings, whom the children of Israel slew and possessed their land beyond the Jordan towards the rising of the sun, from the…" — so begins Joshua 12. The chapter centers on Joshua, Moses and Manasses. Across its 24 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1These are the kings, whom the children of Israel slew and possessed their land beyond the Jordan towards the rising of the sun, from the torrent Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the east country that looketh towards the wilderness.

2Sehon king of the Amorrhites, who dwelt in Hesebon, and had dominion from Aroer, which is seated upon the bank of the torrent Arnon, and of the middle part in the valley, and of half Galaad, as far as the torrent Jaboc, which is the border of the children of Ammon.

3And from the wilderness, to the sea of Ceneroth towards the east, and to the sea of the wilderness, which is the most salt sea, on the east side by the way that leadeth to Bethsimoth: and on the south side that lieth under Asedoth, Phasga.

4The border of Og the king of Basan, of the remnant of the Raphaims who dwelt in Astaroth, and in Edrai, and had dominion in mount Hermon, and in Salecha, and in all Basan, unto the borders

5Of Gessuri and Machati, and of half Galaad: the borders of Sehon the king of Hesebon.

6Moses the servant of the Lord, and the children of Israel slew them, and Moses delivered their land in possession to the Rubenites, and Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasses.

7These are the kings of the land, whom Joshua and the children of Israel slew beyond the Jordan on the west side from Baalgad in the field of Libanus, unto the mount, part of which goeth up into Seir: and Joshua delivered it in possession to the tribes of Israel, to every one their divisions,

8As well in the mountains as in the plains and the champaign countries. In Asedoth, and in the wilderness, and in the south was the Hethite and the Amorrhite, the Chanaanite and the Pherezite, the Hevite and the Jebusite.

9The king of Jericho one: the king of Hai, which is on the side of Bethel, one:

10The king of Jerusalem one, the king of Hebron one,

11The king of Jerimoth one, thee king of Lachis one,

12The king of Eglon one, the king of Gazer one,

13The king of Dabir one, the king of Gader one,

14The king of Herma one, the king of Hered one,

15The king of Lebna one, the king of Odullam one,

16The king of Maceda one, the king of Bethel one,

17The king of Taphua one, the king of Opher one,

18The king of Aphec one, the king of Saron one,

19The king of Madon one, the king of Asor one,

20The king of Semeron one, the king of Achsaph one,

21The king of Thenac one, the king of Mageddo one,

22Thee king of Cades one, the king of Jachanan of Carmel one,

23The king of Dor, and of the province of Dor one, the king of the nations of Galgal one,

24The king of Thersa one: all the kings thirty and one.

Important Verses in Joshua 12

“These are the kings, whom the children of Israel slew and possessed their land beyond the Jordan towards the rising of the sun, from the torrent Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the east country that looketh towards the wilderness.”

Joshua 12:1

“Moses the servant of the Lord, and the children of Israel slew them, and Moses delivered their land in possession to the Rubenites, and Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasses.”

Joshua 12:6

“The king of Jericho one: the king of Hai, which is on the side of Bethel, one:”

Joshua 12:9

“The king of Thersa one: all the kings thirty and one. ”

Joshua 12:24

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Joshua was written with israel settled in the land, called to remember how God fulfilled His promises in view. Chapter 12 of 24 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 24 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Joshua, Moses and Manasses, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "These are the kings, whom the children of Israel slew and possessed their land beyond the Jordan towards the rising of…" The final verse reads: "The king of Thersa one: all the kings thirty and one. " The wider setting of Joshua is this: Joshua narrates the entry into Canaan, the fall of Jericho, and the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Attributed by tradition to Joshua himself with additions by later inspired writers

When It Was Written

Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

In this 24-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land. A pivotal line is verse 1: "These are the kings, whom the children of Israel slew and possessed their land beyond the Jordan towards the rising of the sun, from the torrent Arnon unto…" The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 721). Here, Catholic tradition sees Joshua as a type of Jesus, who leads us into the true Promised Land (CIC 2578). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's kingdom and kingship as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

Joshua2 mentionsMoses2 mentionsManasses1 mention

Reflection for Today

Joshua Chapter 12, containing 24 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2772). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land.

As you continue through Joshua, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Joshua Chapter 12 about?

Joshua 12 contains 24 verses. It opens with "These are the kings, whom the children of Israel slew and possessed their land beyond the Jordan towards the rising of…" and closes with "The king of Thersa one: all the kings thirty and one. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in Joshua 12?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "These are the kings, whom the children of Israel slew and possessed their land beyond the Jordan towards the rising of the sun, from the torrent Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Joshua Chapter 12?

This chapter mentions Joshua, Moses, Manasses.

Who wrote Joshua and when?

Attributed by tradition to Joshua himself with additions by later inspired writers. Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC.

Related Chapters

Numbers 32Shares people and themes with this chapterDeuteronomy 3Shares people and themes with this chapterJudges 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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