What does Joshua 12:11 mean?

Question

Accepted Answer

Joshua 12:11 lists two kings—one from Jarmuth and one from Lachish—among those defeated by the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. This verse is part of a record showing the specific cities and rulers conquered as Israel took possession of the land. Joshua 12 is a summary of victories after Israel entered Canaan. The writer, likely Joshua or a later historian, is listing the defeated kings to document how God fulfilled His promise to give Israel the land. Each king mentioned, like those of Jarmuth and Lachish, represents a city-state that once stood in the way of Israel’s settlement.

Joshua 12:11 (KJV)