What does Joshua 12:20 mean?

Question

Accepted Answer

Joshua 12:20 lists two kings—one from Shimronmeron and one from Achshaph—among those defeated by the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership. This verse is part of a record showing the specific kings and cities conquered as Israel took possession of the land west of the Jordan. Joshua 12 is a summary given to the Israelites, likely by the narrator of the book, recounting the victories God gave them over various Canaanite rulers. By naming the king of Shimronmeron and the king of Achshaph, Joshua 12:20 emphasizes the completeness of Israel’s conquest, showing that even these lesser-known cities and their leaders were overcome. The list format underlines the historical and geographical reality of Israel’s new territory.

Joshua 12:20 (KJV)