F. The List of Defeated Kings (12:1-24)

Ch. 12 begins with a reminder that Israel’s first Conquests had been in Transjordan under the leadership of Moses. It concludes with the roster of the thirty-one kings of Canaan defeated by Israel under Joshua’s leadership. The roster is almost poetic in its form. It is interesting that the names of the kings are not preserved.

In this first half of the book, the author has taken care to emphasize that the Conquest of Canaan was for God’s purposes. For Israel, God’s purpose was to give them their promised inheritance. For Canaan, God’s purpose was to bring the long-delayed judgment. In view of this, the roster of defeated kings should be understood as a litany of the accomplishment of God’s purposes. It is a solemn yet joyful recital, summarizing and symbolizing God’s mighty acts on behalf of his people.