Lecture Notes: Study on the Book of Joshua - Chapters 12 and 13

Overview

• Chapter 12: Focuses on the kings defeated by Moses and Joshua.
• Chapter 13: Discusses the land yet to be conquered by Israel.

Chapter 12: Defeated Kings

Introduction (Verse 1)

• Lists the kings defeated on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
• Important for Israel to know which land belonged to them.

Defeat of Sihon, King of the Amorites (Verses 2-3)

• Sihon ruled over a large territory.
• Israel defeated Sihon after God hardened his heart (Deuteronomy 2:30).

Defeat of Og, King of Bashan (Verses 4-5)

• Og was of the remnant of the giants.
• Victory recorded in Numbers 21:33.
• Og’s size and strength were notable, yet Israel conquered his land.

Summary of Conquests (Verse 6)

• Moses and Israel conquered lands on the east of the Jordan.
• Allocated to Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh.

Kings Conquered by Joshua on the West (Verses 7-24)

• Broad description of lands conquered.
• Specific listing of 31 kings defeated.
• Lists emphasize the reality and historicity of these events.

Chapter 13: Remaining Land and Allotments

Joshua's Advanced Age (Verse 1)

• Joshua was old, yet much land remained to be conquered.

Remaining Land to be Possessed (Verses 2-6)

• Details regions with remaining Canaanites.
• God promises to drive out these nations.

God's Instruction to Divide the Land (Verses 6-7)

• Land to be divided by lot as inheritance.
• Emphasizes personal responsibility for each tribe.

Allotment to Eastern Tribes (Verses 8-14)

• Describes territories for Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh.
• Levi given no land inheritance but provided for through sacrifices.

Specific Tribal Allotments

• Reuben (Verses 15-23):
  • Land included cities of Sihon.
  • Notable for killing of Balaam.
• Gad (Verses 24-28):
  • Territory detailed with geographical landmarks.
• Half Tribe of Manasseh (Verses 29-31):
  • Allocated land on the east side.

Levi's Inheritance (Verse 33)

• Levi had no land but the Lord was their inheritance.

Spiritual Implications and Conclusion

• Joshua's victories foreshadow Christ's ultimate victory as King of Kings.
• Believers in Christ have an inheritance in Him, emphasized in Ephesians 1:11.
• Encouragement to possess all of Christ, just as Israel was to possess the land.
• Emphasis on personal responsibility and spiritual growth in Christ.

Closing Prayer

• A call to live in the inheritance of Christ and to enjoy the spiritual blessings He provides.