John Calvin Commentary Joshua 12:1

"Now these are the kings of the land, whom the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrising, from the valley of the Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the Arabah eastward:" — Joshua 12:1 (ASV)

NOW these are the kings, etc. This chapter does not need a lengthy exposition, as it only enumerates the kings whose territories the Israelites gained possession of. Two of them are beyond the Jordan—Og and Sihon, whose rule was extensive; in the land of Canaan, there are thirty-one.

But though each of those now summarily mentioned was previously described in more detail, there is a very good reason for placing before our eyes, as it were, a living picture of God’s goodness. This picture proves that there had been a complete ratification and fulfillment of the covenant made with Abraham, as stated in the words, “Unto thy seed will I give this land” (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:15; Genesis 15:18).

This living image of God’s grace is set before us here as if the reality were actually present.

Joshua was eighty years old when he entered the land. How could there be so much vigor in this aged man, enough to enable him to carry on so many wars and endure the fatigues of warfare, if heavenly power had not supplied him with more than mortal strength?

And were not his uninterrupted career of victory, his success under all circumstances, the ease with which he stormed cities (free from doubt and uncertainty), the rapidity of his movements, and his inflexible firmness—were not all these clear evidences of God’s hand, just as if it had appeared from heaven?

The purpose of defining the countries by their boundaries was to display divine power more effectively by showing their extent. Of course, this detailed description was primarily for those who knew their locations.

Therefore, for anyone not acquainted with the geography, to dwell on the names would be vain and foolish curiosity.

Indeed, I admit that it is useful to pay attention to places with which we should be somewhat more familiar because they are often mentioned in Scripture. This is the case, for example, when boundaries are set by the brook Jabok, in the district of Lebanon, and by the Lake of Gennesaret (here called the Sea of Cineroth, and elsewhere Cinereth).

For even a little attention to these geographical details will help us understand the narrative. If we cannot go further, let us leave it to those who are more skilled to provide a more thorough discussion of what is beyond our reach.

But although the dominions of these petty kings were small and not very populous, we will, however, see that many towns were annexed to their principal cities. Their number can be determined especially from what is said about the allotment for the Levites.

On the other hand, if we reflect on how one small territory could accommodate and sustain elderly men, women, and children—indeed, a great part of the people along with their domestic animals—we cannot fail to admire the inestimable goodness of God, which prevented everything from being thrown into complete and irremediable confusion.