King James Version

What Does Joshua 12:5 Mean?

Joshua 12:5 in the King James Version says “And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, a...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.”

Joshua 12:5 · KJV

Context

3

And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah : the south: or, Teman Ashdothpisgah: or, the springs of Pisgah, or, the hill

4

And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

5

And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.

6

Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

7

And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;

Read Joshua 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Og's extensive territory: 'And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshur ites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.' The geographic catalog spans from Mount Hermon (far north) to the border with Sihon's kingdom (south), encompassing all of Bashan. Salcah marked the eastern extent. The mention of Geshurites and Maachathites indicates neighboring peoples not fully conquered (13:13 notes they remained). The phrase 'half Gilead' shows Og's kingdom overlapped or bordered Sihon's. This comprehensive territory description establishes the magnitude of Israel's conquests. Two powerful kings with extensive holdings—both defeated by Israel under God's direction. The passage emphasizes that comprehensive victory came from God, not human military superiority. No territorial claim was too large, no enemy too strong when God fought for Israel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Hermon, the region's highest peak (over 9,000 feet), marked the northern boundary of Og's kingdom and Israel's conquests. Salcah (modern Salkhad) lay about sixty miles east of the Sea of Galilee, marking Bashan's eastern extent. The territory described encompassed roughly 60-70 miles north-south and similar east-west—substantial kingdom. The Geshurites and Maachathites were Aramean peoples who maintained independence despite Israel's conquest of surrounding territories (they're mentioned as unconquered in Joshua 13:13). Bashan's fertility made it economically valuable; its strategic location made it militarily significant. The combined territories of Sihon and Og gave Israel control of all Transjordan from the Arnon River north to Mount Hermon—fulfilling God's promise (Deuteronomy 3:8). This Transjordan territory, though not the main promised land, was substantial addition. It was allotted to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (chapter 13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the magnitude of God's provision (vast territories, defeated powerful kings) exceed expectations?
  2. What does God's comprehensive victory (both Sihon and Og defeated) teach about His thorough faithfulness?
  3. How should overwhelming past provision build confidence in God's ability to provide for present needs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּ֠מֹשֵׁל1 of 16

“And reigned”

H4910

to rule

בְּהַ֨ר2 of 16

“in mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

חֶרְמ֤וֹן3 of 16

“Hermon”

H2768

chermon, a mount of palestine

וּבְסַלְכָה֙4 of 16

“and in Salcah”

H5548

salcah, a place east of the jordan

וּבְכָל5 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַבָּשָׁ֔ן6 of 16

“and in all Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

עַד7 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גְּב֖וּל8 of 16

“the border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י9 of 16

“of the Geshurites”

H1651

a geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of geshur

וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י10 of 16

“and the Maachathites”

H4602

a maakathite, or inhabitant of maakah

וַֽחֲצִי֙11 of 16

“and half”

H2677

the half or middle

הַגִּלְעָ֔ד12 of 16

“Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

גְּב֖וּל13 of 16

“the border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

סִיח֥וֹן14 of 16

“of Sihon”

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

מֶֽלֶךְ15 of 16

“king”

H4428

a king

חֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃16 of 16

“of Heshbon”

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

Study 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 12:5 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 12:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 3:14Joshua 13:111 Samuel 27:8Deuteronomy 3:8-10Joshua 11:32 Samuel 3:3

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
GeshurRegion · Modern: Fiq · 32.77°N, 35.70°E11 verses across 3 books
Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
HeshbonSettlement · Modern: Tell Hesban · 31.80°N, 35.81°E37 verses across 9 books
MaacahRegion · Modern: Tel Abel Beth Maacah · 33.26°N, 35.58°E8 verses across 3 books
Mount HermonMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E16 verses across 6 books
SalecahSettlement · Modern: Salkhad · 32.49°N, 36.71°E4 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 12 →

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