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;

JOSHUA 12:7KJV
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Joshua 12:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 12:7 mean?

Joshua 12:7 introduces the rulers defeated by Joshua and the Israelites in the land west of the Jordan River. The verse connects those victories with Joshua’s assignment of the land to Israel’s tribes, each receiving a portion as its possession.

After the account of victories east of the Jordan, the narrator turns to the western side. Baalgad in the Lebanon valley and Mount Halak toward Seir mark the northern and southern reach of the land in view.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 12:7

  • “smote” — נָכָה (nakhah): This word can mean to strike or defeat. Here, the KJV uses “smote” for military victory over the kings.
  • “possession” — יְרֻשָּׁה (yerushah): This word can mean a holding or inheritance. The land is described as something the tribes would receive and hold, rather than merely pass through.

Why Joshua 12:7 matters

  • The verse marks a change in leadership and location. Joshua’s victories are “on this side Jordan on the west,” whereas Joshua 12:6 credits Moses with giving the land east of the river to particular tribes.
  • The land is connected to the tribes as well as to the defeated kings. The phrase “according to their divisions” points to separate tribal portions, rather than one undivided assignment.

Where else these words appear

“Halak” Hebrew H2510 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 11:17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.

“Baalgad” Hebrew H1171 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 11:17 Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.
  • Joshua 13:5 And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

“possession” Hebrew H3425 · used in 12 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
  • Deuteronomy 2:19 And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.
  • Judges 21:17 And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.

“valley” Hebrew H1237 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
  • Ezekiel 3:22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.