King James Version
What Does Joshua 12:22 Mean?
“The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;”
Joshua 12:22 · KJV
Context
20
The king of Shimronmeron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;
21
The king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;
22
The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;
23
The king of Dor in the coast of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one;
24
The king of Tirzah, one: all the kings thirty and one.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one—Kedesh (קֶדֶשׁ, qedesh, 'holy place' or 'sanctuary') later became one of six Levitical cities of refuge (20:7, 21:32), transforming from a defeated Canaanite stronghold into a sanctuary where manslayers could find asylum. This redemptive repurposing illustrates how God reclaims enemy territory for mercy's sake—the very sites once dedicated to Baal worship became havens of grace under Torah law.
Jokneam (יָקְנְעָם, yoqne'am, 'possessed by the people') sits at the base of Mount Carmel, the site where Elijah would later confront Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18). The king's defeat here prepared the geographic stage for that defining confrontation between Yahweh and Canaanite deities. Joshua's military conquest became theological prerequisite for Elijah's spiritual showdown—the land must first be possessed militarily before idolatry could be confronted prophetically.
Jokneam (יָקְנְעָם, yoqne'am, 'possessed by the people') sits at the base of Mount Carmel, the site where Elijah would later confront Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18). The king's defeat here prepared the geographic stage for that defining confrontation between Yahweh and Canaanite deities. Joshua's military conquest became theological prerequisite for Elijah's spiritual showdown—the land must first be possessed militarily before idolatry could be confronted prophetically.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Kedesh (Tell Qades) in upper Galilee was a fortified Canaanite city controlling routes through the hill country. Its transformation into a city of refuge demonstrates how conquest enabled reorganization of the land for justice and mercy. Jokneam (Tell Qeimun) guards the southwestern entrance to the Jezreel Valley at Carmel's base. Its strategic position controlling access from the coast to the interior made it a crucial conquest for maintaining territorial integrity.
Reflection Questions
- How does Kedesh's transformation from conquered enemy to city of refuge illustrate redemptive repurposing of reclaimed territory?
- What does Jokneam's proximity to Carmel teach about preparing ground for later spiritual battles through present obedience?
- In what ways do your current struggles prepare strategic positions for future ministry and impact?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsStudy Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Joshua 12:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Joshua 12:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge