Israel’s conquest under Joshua included thirty-one kings, signifying God’s power to deliver His people and keep His covenant.
“Commentary on Joshua 12:24”
In this final verse completing the list of defeated Canaanite rulers, Scripture states: the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings (v.24). Here, the city named Tirzah stands alongside other royal city-states that fell under Israel’s leadership during Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land (around late 15th century BC). The mention of “thirty-one kings” highlights the breadth of these victories and testifies to the fulfillment of the LORD’s promise to give Israel the land of Canaan.
The city of Tirzah itself would later become significant in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Though its role at the time of Joshua’s conquest is limited to recognizing its ruler among the defeated, Scripture indicates that Tirzah was once important enough to rival Samaria, serving for a time as a royal residence (1 Kings 14:17). In a later period, the city was used by the usurper Menahem to launch his attack against King Shallum in Samaria (2 Kings 15:14). This points to Tirzah’s prominence, even though here in Joshua it is only briefly mentioned as part of the list of vanquished foes.
In the grand narrative of Joshua 12, each of these conquests, including the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings (v.24), reaffirms the LORD’s covenant faithfulness. As God’s people took possession of the land, they acted on promises that would ultimately be fulfilled in Christ, who offers the true and final “rest” (Hebrews 4:8-9). The listing of each king—large or small—reminds us that no obstacle is insurmountable to the LORD and foreshadows the ultimate victory over every spiritual enemy through Jesus (Colossians 2:15).
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Joshua 12:24 meaning
“Commentary on Joshua 12:24”
In this final verse completing the list of defeated Canaanite rulers, Scripture states: the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings (v.24). Here, the city named Tirzah stands alongside other royal city-states that fell under Israel’s leadership during Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land (around late 15th century BC). The mention of “thirty-one kings” highlights the breadth of these victories and testifies to the fulfillment of the LORD’s promise to give Israel the land of Canaan.
The city of Tirzah itself would later become significant in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Though its role at the time of Joshua’s conquest is limited to recognizing its ruler among the defeated, Scripture indicates that Tirzah was once important enough to rival Samaria, serving for a time as a royal residence (1 Kings 14:17). In a later period, the city was used by the usurper Menahem to launch his attack against King Shallum in Samaria (2 Kings 15:14). This points to Tirzah’s prominence, even though here in Joshua it is only briefly mentioned as part of the list of vanquished foes.
In the grand narrative of Joshua 12, each of these conquests, including the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings (v.24), reaffirms the LORD’s covenant faithfulness. As God’s people took possession of the land, they acted on promises that would ultimately be fulfilled in Christ, who offers the true and final “rest” (Hebrews 4:8-9). The listing of each king—large or small—reminds us that no obstacle is insurmountable to the LORD and foreshadows the ultimate victory over every spiritual enemy through Jesus (Colossians 2:15).