Paragraph 12:7-24

The kings that the Israelites defeated on the west side of the Jordan River.

12:7a

And: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as And indicates the next event in the narrative. Some English versions do not translate this word.

these are the kings of the land: The clause these are the kings of the land introduces the list of kings whom Joshua and the Israelites defeated on the west side of the Jordan River. However, the actual list does not start until verse 9.

that Joshua and the Israelites conquered beyond the Jordan to the west: Here are some other ways to translate this sentence:

Joshua and the people of Israel defeated all the kings in the territory west of the Jordan (Good News Translation)
-or-
Joshua and the Israelites also defeated kings in the land west of the Jordan River. (New Century Version)
-or-
The following is a list of the kings that Joshua and the Israelite armies defeated on the west side of the Jordan (New Living Translation (2004))

12:7b

from Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon: The term Baal-gad indicates a town in the valley of Lebanon at the western foot of Mount Hermon. The exact location of Baal-gad is unknown, but it was the northern point of Joshua’s conquests.

Some English versions spell this name as two words:

Baal Gad (New International Version, NET Bible, God’s Word)

the Valley of Lebanon: The Valley of Lebanon was near Mount Hermon. It may be the modern Beqa Valley. It may also include the valley of the Litani River further south. This term occurred in 11:17 and you should translate it the same way as you did there.

to Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir: The term Mount Halak indicates a mountain that marked the southern point of the Israelites’ conquests. Its location is uncertain, but it may be Jebel Halaq, 28 miles southeast of Beersheba.

rises toward Seir: Seir is another word for the territory of Edom, which was south of the Dead Sea. The clause rises toward Seir indicates that Mount Halak was near the territory of Edom.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

Mount Halak near the country of Edom (Contemporary English Version)

General Comment on 12:7b

Verse 12:7b describes the land by naming its northern and southern points. In 12:8a-b the same land is described by naming its geographical regions. 12:8c describes this land again by naming the Canaanite peoples who lived there.

12:7c

according to the allotments to the tribes of Israel, Joshua gave them as an inheritance: The Berean Standard Bible puts verse 12:7d-12:8c in parentheses. Most English versions do not use parentheses here.

according to the allotments to the tribes of Israel: Here is another way to translate this phrase:

according to their tribal divisions (New International Version)

Joshua gave them as an inheritance: These words are like the words in 12:6 and you should translate them in the same way. Joshua gave land to each of the ten- and one-half tribes of Israel who settled on the west side of the Jordan River. These tribes became owners of that land.

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