Joshua 12

₁Now these are the kings^I of the land^II whom the Israelites^III defeated,^IV

Notes on verse 1a

^I “kings” = melek. From malak (to be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned; by implication, to take counsel). This is king or royal.
^II “land” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
^III “Israelites” = ben + Yisrael. Literally, “children of Israel.” Ben is from banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense. Yisrael is from sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + El (God or god). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.
^IV “defeated” = nakah. This is to hit whether lightly or severely. It can be used in a literal or figurative sense. So, this could be beat, punish, give wounds, kill, or slaughter.

whose land they occupied^V beyond^VI the Jordan^VII toward the east,^VIII

Notes on verse 1b

^V “occupied” = yarash. This is inheriting or dispossessing. It refers to occupying or colonizing – taking territory by driving out the previous inhabitants and living there instead of them. By implication, it can mean to seize or rob, to expel, ruin, or impoverish.
^VI “beyond” = eber. From abar (to pass over, pass through, or pass by; cross over or to alienate; used for transitions). This is the place across or beyond, by, from, other, the opposite side, against, over. It often refers to the other side of the Jordan river or toward the east.
^VII “Jordan” = Yarden. From yarad (to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense; going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy). This is the Jordan River, meaning “descending.”
^VIII “east” = mizrach + shemesh. Literally, “toward the rising of the sun.” Mizrach is from zarach (to rise, shine, or dawn; can also describe symptoms of leprosy). This is the east as the place where the sun rises. It can also refer to the sunrise itself. Shemesh is sun or toward the east. Its root may mean being brilliant. Figuratively, this could be a ray or an arch.

from the Wadi^IX Arnon^X to Mount^XI Hermon,^XII

Notes on verse 1c

^IX “Wadi” = nachal. From nachal (to take as heritage, inherit, or distribute). This is a river or stream. It could be a wadi or arroyo – sometimes a narrow valley with no water at all, but in strong rains or when winter snow melts, it swells or floods with water.
^X “Arnon” = Arnon. From the same as Aran (Aran, a name that may mean “stridulous”); {perhaps from ranan (a cry of joy or a joyful song; properly, emitting a shrill sound, especially one of joy)} OR from aran (to be agile, to inspire cheerfulness). This is Arnon, a wadi and stream in Moab whose name means “a roaring stream” or “a brawling stream” or “murmuring” or “roaring” or “cheering” or “agile.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Arnon.html
^XI “Mount” = har. From harar (hill or mountain). This is mountain, hill, hilly region.
^XII “Hermon” = Chermon. 13x in OT. From charam (to ban, destroy, devote, seclude; to dedicate to a religious purpose, often for destruction). This is Hermon, meaning “sacred mountain” or “abrupt.” It is in southern Syria and northern Israel.

with all^XIII the Arabah^XIV eastward:^XV ₂King Sihon^XVI of the Amorites^XVII

Notes on verses 1d-2a

^XIII “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
^XIV “Arabah” = Arabah. From the same as arab (desert plateau, Arabia) OR from arab (to become evening); {from ereb (evening) or from arab (to exchange, give or take on pledge, braid, intermix)}. This is a desert valley or plain, wilderness. Also, the name of a place Arabah.
^XV “eastward” = mizrach. Same as “east” in v1. See note VIII above.
^XVI “Sihon” = Sichon. Perhaps from the same a ssuach (Suach, a name); from the same as suchah (something swept away, refuse). This is Sihon or Sichon, a name perhaps meaning “tempestuous.”
^XVII “Amorites” = Emori. From amar (to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report). This is Amorite or Emori, perhaps meaning talkers.

who lived^XVIII at Heshbon^XIX and ruled^XX from Aroer,^XXI

Notes on verse 2b

^XVIII “lived” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.
^XIX “Heshbon” = Cheshbon. From chashab (properly, to braid or interpenetrate; literally, to create or to wear; figuratively, plotting – generally in a negative sense; think, consider, or make account of). This is Heshbon or Cheshbon, meaning “library of synthetic wisdom” or “intelligence” or “reason.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Heshbon.html
^XX “ruled” = mashal. This is to rule, reign, govern, have authority, wield.
^XXI “Aroer” = Aroer. 16x in OT. From the same as aroer (shrub or tree; may be a juniper); from arar (to strip, make bare, destroy). This is Aroer, a city whose name means “accumulation” or “stripped” or “heath.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Aroer.html

which is on the edge^XXII of the Wadi Arnon, and from the middle^XXIII of the valley^XXIV as far as the Wadi Jabbok,^XXV the boundary^XXVI of the Ammonites,^XXVII that is,

Notes on verse 2c

^XXII “edge” = saphah. This is lip, edge, border, bank – used for a boundary. It can also be speech or language.
^XXIII “middle” = tavek. This is among, middle, in the midst, the center. Perhaps, properly, to sever.
^XXIV “valley” = nachal. Same as “Wadi” in v1. See note IX above.
^XXV “Jabbok” = Yabboq. 7x in OT. Probably from baqaq (to empty, devastate, demoralize, luxuriate, depopulate). This is Jabbok or Yabboq, meaning “emptying” or “he will empty.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jabbok.html#.Xw3bZShKhPY
^XXVI “boundary” = gebul. Perhaps from gabal (to border, twist like rope). This is boundary, limit, coast, space. Properly, it is a line that is twisted, which implies a boundary and, by extension, the boundaries of a territory or other enclosed space.
^XXVII “Ammonites” = ben + Ammon. Literally, “children of Ammon.” Ben is the same as “Israelites” in v1. See note III above. Ammon is from im (with, against, before, beside); {perhaps from amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together)} OR from am (people or nation; a tribe, troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals); {from amam (see above)}. This is Ammon or Ammonite, which may mean “tribal.”

half^XXVIII of Gilead,^XXIX ₃and the Arabah to the Sea^XXX of Chinneroth^XXXI

Notes on verses 2d-3a

^XXVIII “half” = chatsi. From chatsah (to halve, divide, reach, participate). This is half, middle, midnight, midst.
^XXIX “Gilead” = Gilad. From gala (to lay bare, quarrel, expose) OR from gal’ed (heap of testimony); {from gal (wave, billow, rock pile; something rolled; a spring of water); {from galal (to roll, roll away, wallow, commit, remove; rolling in a literal or figurative sense)} + ed (witness, testimony, recorder); from ud (to admonish, repeat, duplicate, testify, restore, record, relieve)}}. This is Gilead, meaning “perpetual fountain” or “heap of testimony.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Gilead.html#.Xw_EFShKhPY.
^XXX “Sea” = yam. Root may mean to roar. This is the sea, often referring to the Mediterranean. It comes from the root in the sense of the roar of crashing surf. This word is sometimes used for rivers or other sources of water. It can mean to the west or to the south.
^XXXI “Chinneroth” = Kinaroth. 7x in OT. Related to kinnor (lyre, harp; may come from a word meaning to twang). This is Chinnereth, Kinaroth, or Kinnereth. It may mean “harp-shaped.

eastward,^XXXII and^XXXIII in the direction^XXXIV of Beth-jeshimoth,^XXXV

Notes on verse 3b

^XXXII “eastward” = mizrach. Same as “east” in v1. See note VIII above.
^XXXIII {untranslated} = mizrach. Same as “east” in v1. See note VIII above.
^XXXIV “direction” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
^XXXV “Beth-jeshimoth” = Beth Hayshimoth. Related to “Israelites” in v1. 4x in OT. From bayit (house, court, family, palace, temple); {from banah (see note III above)} + yeshimah (desolation, gripped by death) or yasham (to be stripped, destroyed, desolate). This is Beth-jeshimoth or Beth Hayshimoth, meaning “place of the desert” or “house of the deserts” or “house of the wastes” or “desert house.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Beth-jeshimoth.html

to the sea of the Arabah, the Dead^XXXVI Sea, southward^XXXVII to the foot^XXXVIII of the slopes^XXXIX of Pisgah;^XL

Notes on verse 3c

^XXXVI “Dead” = Melach. Perhaps from malach (properly, to pulverize, temper together, dissipate; also to season or salt). This is powder; used for salt or salt pit.
^XXXVII “southward” = teman. From the same as yamin (right hand or side; that which is stronger or more agile; the south); {perhaps yamam (to go or choose the right, use the right hand; to be physically fit or firm)}. This is south, towards the south, wind from the south.
^XXXVIII “foot” = tachat. This is underneath, below, the bottom, instead of.
^XXXIX “slopes” = ashedah. 6x in OT. From eshed (bottom, slope, outpouring, stream). This is a foundation, slope, or spring.
^XL “Pisgah” = Pisgah. 8x in OT. From pasag (to go between, pass through; figuratively to contemplate or consider). This is Pisgah, meaning cleft. It is a mountain in Moab.

₄and^XLI King Og^XLII of Bashan,^XLIII one of the last^XLIV

Notes on verse 4a

^XLI {untranslated} = gebul. Same as “boundary” in v2. See note XXVI above.
^XLII “Og” = Og. From the same as uggah (bread cake, round ash cake); from ug (to gyrate, bake; baking a round cake). This is Og, a name perhaps meaning “round.”
^XLIII “Bashan” = Bashan. Bashan is a place whose name may mean “smooth.”
^XLIV “last” = yether. From yathar (to jut over, remain behind, preserve, to excel). This is a remainder or excess. It can imply abundant or superiority. Additionally, it can be cord a free-hanging rope.

of the Rephaim,^XLV who lived at Ashtaroth^XLVI and at Edrei^XLVII

Notes on verse 4b

^XLV “Rephaim” = Rapha. From raphah (to slacken in a literal or figurative sense. So, it could be to hang, be feeble, fail, drop, be helpless, relax, slink, subside, or wait) OR from rapha (properly, to repair by stitching – figuratively to heal or cure; to make whole). This is Rapha or Rephaim. It is someone who lived east of Jordan, a giant. It may mean “faded ones,” “healed ones,” or “what we’ve been healed from.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Rephaim.html
^XLVI “Ashtaroth” = Ashtaroth. 12x in OT. From ashtrah (young, enlarge a flock); from ashath (to think) or ashar (to gain wealth, become rich, enrich; to accumulate) OR {from ashat (form a union that is cohesive or solid) + torah (Torah, instruction, law); {from yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach)}}. This is Ashtaroth, a location and the name of a Sidonian goddess, also called Astarte. It may mean “Astarte” or “unions of instructions” or “clusters of one law.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Ashtaroth.html
^XLVII “Edrei” = Edrei. 8x in OT. Perhaps from Aramaic edra (arm, strength, power); from Aramaic dera (arm); akin to Hebrew zeroa (arm, shoulder, or foreleg of an animal; figuratively, power, force, might, or help); Perhaps from zara (to sow, scatter seed, conceive). This is Edrei, meaning “mighty.”

₅and ruled over Mount Hermon and Salecah^XLVIII and all Bashan to the boundary of the Geshurites^XLIX and the Maacathites,^L and over half of Gilead to the boundary of King Sihon of Heshbon. ₆Moses,^LI the servant^LII of the Lord,^LIII

Notes on verses 5-6a

^XLVIII “Salecah” = Salkah. 4x in OT. May come from a word that means to walk. It is Salecah, Salcah, or Salchah, meaning “walking.”
^XLIX “Geshurites” = Geshuri. 6x in OT. From Geshur (Geshur or Geshurite; “bridge”). This is Geshurite, a person from Geshur.
^L “Maacathites” = Maakathi. 8x in OT. From Maakah (Maacah or Maakath; “depression,” “oppression,” “squeezer”); from maak (to pierce, squeeze, stick, handle). This is Maacathite – someone living in Maacah.
^LI “Moses” = Mosheh. From mashah (to pull out in a literal or figurative sense, to draw out) OR from Egyptian mes or mesu (child, son i.e. child of…). This is Moses – the one drawn out from the water, which is to say, rescued. If derived from the Egyptian, his name would share a root with Rameses and Thutmose.
^LII “servant” = ebed. From abad (to work, serve, compel; any kind of work; used causatively, can mean to enslave or keep in bondage). This is a servant, slave, or bondservant.
^LIII “Lord” = YHVH. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (to come to pass, become, be). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.

and the Israelites defeated them, and Moses the servant of the Lord gave^LIV their land for a possession^LV to the Reubenites^LVI and the Gadites^LVII

Notes on verse 6b

^LIV “gave” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
^LV “possession” = yerushshah. Related to “occupied” in v1. 14x in OT. From yarash (see note V above). This is possession, heritage – something that has been occupied, an inheritance or conquest.
^LVI “Reubenites” = Reubeni. Related to “Israelites” in v1 & “Beth-jeshimoth” in v3. 18x in OT. From Reuben (Reuben, meaning “behold a son”); {from raah (to see, show, stare, think, view; to see in a literal or figurative sense) + ben (see note III above)}. This is a Reubenite, someone who is descended from Reuben.
^LVII “Gadites” = Gadi. 15x in OT. From Gad (Gad, “fortune” or “fortunate”); perhaps from gad (fortune, troop; Gad, the name of a god of Babylon); from gad (fortunate, a troop); from gud (to invade, overcome, attack). This is Gadite, someone who comes from the tribe of Gad.

and the half-tribe^LVIII of Manasseh.^LIX

₇The following are the kings of the land whom Joshua^LX and the Israelites defeated on the west^LXI side^LXII of the Jordan,

Notes on verses 6c-7a

^LVIII “tribe” = shebet. This is a rod, staff, club, scepter, dart, or tribe. Literally a stick that can be used for punishing, writing, fighting, walking, ruling; thus, used figuratively for a clan.
^LIX “Manasseh” = Menashsheh. From nashah (to forget, neglect, remove, deprive). This is Manasseh, literally “causing to forget.” It is Manasseh, his tribe, or the lands of the tribe.
^LX “Joshua” = Yehoshua. Related to “Lord” in v6. From YHVH (see note LIII above) + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone). This is Joshua, Jeshua, or Yehoshua, which means “the Lord is salvation.”
^LXI “west” = yam. Same as “Sea” in v3. See note XXX above.
^LXII “side” = eber. Same as “beyond” in v1. See note VI above.

from Baal-gad^LXIII in the valley^LXIV of Lebanon^LXV

Notes on verse 7b

^LXIII “Baal-gad” = Baal Gad. Related to “Gadites” in v6. 3x in OT. From Baal (Baal, used for several Canaanite gods; literally, “lord”); {from the same as baal (owner, master, husband); from baal (to marry, have dominion over, to master)}} + gad (see note LVII above). This is Baal-gad, which may mean “Baal of fortune” or “lord of good fortune” or “lord of the invasion.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Baal-gad.html
^LXIV “valley” = biqah. From baqa (to divide, split open, tear, breach, break open, dash to pieces). This is a valley or plain. Properly, it refers to a place where the mountains have split – a wide, flat valley between them.
^LXV “Lebanon” = Lebanon. From laben (to be white, make white, make bricks) OR form Aramaic lebab (heart); corresponding to Hebrew lebab (heart, courage, one’s inner self, the mind, or the will). This is Lebanon. The sense of “white” comes from the snow on the top of its mountains. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon

to Mount Halak,^LXVI which rises^LXVII toward Seir^LXVIII (and Joshua gave their land to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their allotments,^LXIX

Notes on verse 7c

^LXVI “Halak” = Chalaq. 2x in OT. From chalaq (to be smooth in a figurative sense; can refer to the stones that were part of casting lots – hence, apportion, share, distribute; figuratively, it can also mean to flatter). This is Halak, a mountain whose name means “smooth” or “bare.”
^LXVII “rises” = alah. This is to go up, approach, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense.
^LXVIII “Seir” = Seir. From the same as sear (hair, hairy, rough); {from sa’ar (to storm, scattered by a storm, blow away, rage, storm tossed; this is to toss in a literal or figurative sense)} OR from sa’iyr (goat, shaggy, devil, satyr). This is Seir, Edomite mountain region. It is the name of the people that live there and a particular Judean mountain. It may mean “the hairy guys,” “bucks,” “horrors,” “bristly,” or “riders on the storm.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Seir.html
^LXIX “allotments” = machaloqeth. Related to “Halak” in v7. From chalaq (see note LXVI above). This is a division, course, or portion.

₈in the hill country,^LXX in the lowland,^LXXI in the Arabah, in the slopes, in the wilderness,^LXXII and in the Negeb,^LXXIII the land of the Hittites,^LXXIV

Notes on verse 8a

^LXX “hill country” = har. Same as “Mount” in v1. See note XI above.
^LXXI “lowland” = shephelah. From shaphel (to be low, sink, be cast down, put down, humble, or humiliate). This is Shephelah, the name of a place. It means “lowland.”
^LXXII “wilderness” = midbar. From dabar (to speak, command, declare). This is mouth or speech. It can also be desert or wilderness. Additionally, it can be used for a pasture to which one drives cattle.
^LXXIII “Negeb” = Negeb. Root may mean to be parched. The Negeb is the south country – sometimes used to refer to Egypt. This is a land that suffers from a lot of drought.
^LXXIV “Hittites” = Chitti. From cheth (Heth or Cheth; one of Canaan’s sons from whom perhaps the Hittites descend) OR from hatat (terror, lacking strength or courage); perhaps from hata (to seize; often used of coals from a fire). This is Hittite – perhaps meaning terrors or terrible. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hittite.html#.XyMgpp5KhPY

Amorites, Canaanites,^LXXV Perizzites,^LXXVI Hivites,^LXXVII and Jebusites):^LXXVIII

Notes on verse 8b

^LXXV “Canaanites” = Knaaniy. From Kanaan (Canaan, his descendants, and the land where they settled; perhaps meaning lowlands, describing their land or subjugated in reference to being conquered by Egypt); from kana (to be humble, subdue; properly, bend the knee). This is Canaanite, which in some instances would imply a peddler or sometimes used in place of Ishmaelite. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan
^LXXVI “Perizzites” = Perizzi. Perhaps from perazi (rural area, unwalled land); from the same as perazah (rural, village without walls, open country); from the same as paraz (root may mean to separate; perhaps warriors, chieftan, or throng). This is Perizzite, perhaps meaning rural or wild one.
^LXXVII “Hivites” = Chivvi. Probably from the same as chavyah (life-giving, which implies the place where one lives like a village or place where one camps); probably from the same as Chavvah (Eve, life-giver); from chavah (show, tell, live, declare). This is Hivite, perhaps meaning villagers or tent villagers.
^LXXVIII “Jebusites” = Yebusi. From yebus (threshing place; one of the former names of Jerusalem); from bus (to trample down, tread in a literal or figurative sense; to loathe, pollute, squirm). This is Jebusite, meaning treaders or threshers.

₉the king of Jericho^LXXIX	one^LXXX
the king of Ai,^LXXXI which is next to^LXXXII Bethel^LXXXIII	one
Notes on verse 9 ^LXXIX “Jericho” = Yericho. From yareach (moon); {from the same as yerach (month)} OR from ruach (smell, breathe, perceive, anticipate, accept, enjoy). This is Jericho meaning either “moon city” or “fragrant place.” ^LXXX “one” = echad. Perhaps from achad (to unify, continue on a path; figuratively, to gather one’s thoughts). This is the number one, first, united. It can also be alone, altogether, a certain, a few. ^LXXXI “Ai” = Ay. Perhaps from iy (a ruin or a heap as a place that was overturned); from avah (to bend, twist, be amiss). This is Ai, a city in Canaan. It means “ruin.” ^LXXXII “next to” = tsad. Root may mean to sidle. This is a side or an arm. It can also be used to mean beside or, figuratively, an adversary. ^LXXXIII “Bethel” = Betheel. Related to “Israelites” in v1 & “Beth-jeshimoth” in v3 & “Reubenites” in v6 & to “Israelites” in v1. From bayit (see note XXXV above) + El (see note III above). This is Bethel, literally meaning “house of God.”
₁₀the king of Jerusalem^LXXXIV	one
the king of Hebron^LXXXV	one
₁₁the king of Jarmuth^LXXXVI	one
Notes on verses 10-11a ^LXXXIV “Jerusalem” = Yerushalaim. From yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach) + shalam (to make amends, to be complete or sound). This is Jerusalem, dwelling of peace. ^LXXXV “Hebron” = Chebron. From cheber (company, society, enchantment, wide); from chabar (to unite, ally, attach, touch; to join in a literal or figurative sense; also, specially, using magic knots or spells to fascinate or connect). This is Hebron, meaning “seat of association” or “league.” ^LXXXVI “Jarmuth” = Yarmuth. 7x in OT– 6x in Joshua & 1x in Nehemiah. Perhaps from rum (to be high, rise, exalted, become proud, display, offer, present, set apart, extol; to rise in a literal or figurative sense). This is Jarmuth, a city whose name means “elevation,” heights” or “high.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jarmuth.html
the king of Lachish^LXXXVII	one
₁₂the king of Eglon^LXXXVIII	one
the king of Gezer^LXXXIX	one
₁₃the king of Debir^XC	one
Notes on verses 11b-13a ^LXXXVII “Lachish” = Lachish. This is Lachish or Lakish. It is a city whose name meaning is unclear. ^LXXXVIII “Eglon” = Eglon. 13x in OT– 8x in Joshua & 5x in Judges. From egel (male calf as one that frisks about; often one that is almost grown up); may be from the same as agol (round, circular – root meaning revolve). This is Eglon, a name and a city that means “circular” or “calf” or “heifer-like.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Eglon.html ^LXXXIX “Gezer” = Gezer. 15x in OT. From gezer (piece, part, portion); from gazar (to cut or cut down; figuratively, to divide, exclude, decree, or destroy). This is Gezer, a city that means “portion.” ^XC “Debir” = Debir. 14x in OT. Related to “wilderness” in v8. 14x in OT– 11x in Joshua & 2x in Judges & 1x in 1 Chronicles. From the same as debir (maybe a place of speaking like an oracle; the inner sanctuary of Solomon’s Temple); perhaps from dabar (see note LXXII above). This is Debir, a name and city that means “place of the word” or “oracle.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Debir.html
the king of Geder^XCI	one
₁₄the king of Hormah^XCII	one
the king of Arad^XCIII	one
₁₅the king of Libnah^XCIV	one
Notes on verses 13b-15a ^XCI “Geder” = Geder. 1x in OT. From geder (wall); from the same as gadar (any kind of enclosure – wall, fence, or hedge); from gadar (to build a wall or wall off, mason, repair, hedge, enclose; to wall in or wall around). This is Geder, a city whose name means “wall.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Geder.html ^XCII “Hormah” = Chormah. Related to “Hermon” in v1. 9x in OT. From charam (see note XII above). This is Hormah or Chormah, meaning “asylum” or “devoted” or “dedicated” or “devoted to destruction” or “anathema.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hormah.html ^XCIII “Arad” = Arad. 5x in OT. Perhaps similar to aron (wild ass); perhaps related to arad (to flee, to be free) OR from rud (to wander) OR from a word meaning to sequester oneself. This is Arad, meaning “fugitive” or “wild ass.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Arad.html ^XCIV “Libnah” = Libnah. 18x in OT. From laban (to be or make white, to make bricks). This is Libnah, meaning “whiteness” or “transparency.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Libnah.html
the king of Adullam^XCV	one
₁₆the king of Makkedah^XCVI	one
the king of Bethel	one
₁₇the king of Tappuah^XCVII	one
the king of Hepher^XCVIII	one
Notes on verses 15b-17 ^XCV “Adullam” = Adullam. 8x in OT. Perhaps from the same as Adlay (Adlay, a person); {from adal (to flee, to be just) + am (people or nation; a tribe, troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals); {from amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together)}}. This is Adullam, a city name meaning “the justice of the people,” “retreat,” or “refuge.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Adullam.html ^XCVI “Makkedah” = Maqqedah. 9x in OT– all in Joshua. Perhaps from the same as naqod (speckled or spotted; its root may refer to something that is branded or marked through a piercing action). This is Makkedah, a city that may mean “fold” as in herding. ^XCVII “Tappuah” = Tappuach. 6x in OT – 5x in Joshua & 1x in 1 Chronicles. From the same as tappuach (apple, apple tree; perhaps also quine and other fruits); from naphach (to breathe, puff, inflate, scatter, light on fire, make something lose its life). This is Tappuah, a city whose name may mean apple. ^XCVIII “Hepher” = Chepher. 9x in OT. From chaphar (properly to pry into; to dig search for, sink, or explore) or chapher (to be ashamed, disgraced, embarrassed, confounded – to blush). This is Hepher or Chepher, meaning “pit of shame” or “dig” or “shame” or “well” or “pit.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hepher.html
₁₈the king of Aphek^XCIX	one
the king of Lasharon^C	one
₁₉the king of Madon^CI	one
the king of Hazor^CII	one
Notes on verses 18-19 ^XCIX “Aphek” = Apheq. 9x in OT. From aphaq (to be strong, force, control, hold). This is Apheq, Aphek, or Aphik. It is a place, perhaps meaning “fortress.” ^C “Lasharon” = Sharon. 7x in OT. From yashar (to be straight, right, even, smooth, or agreeable; figuratively, to make something pleasant or prosperous). This is Sharon or Lasharon. It means “great plain” or “body armor.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Sharon.html ^CI “Madon” = Madon. 2x in OT– in Joshua 11 & 12. From din (to judge, defend, dispute, govern, quarrel, plead) OR from the same as madon (contention, strife, quarrel); {akin to middah (measure, size, garment, height, width, tribute); {from mad (measure, cloth, cloak, armor, stature, height); from madad (to measure, stretch, be extended, continue) or similar to madu (extent, measure, garment; may come from a word that refers to stretching)}}. This is Madon, a place meaning “contention,” “place of judgment” or “strive.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Madon.html ^CII “Hazor” = Chatsor. 18x in OT. From the same as chatser (village, settlement); from chatser (enclosure or court – a yard that is fenced in. It could also be a village or hamlet that is walled in); from chatsar (to blow a trumpet, trumpeter, to surround); from chatsotsrah (trumpet). This is Hazor, Chatsor – meaning “village.”
₂₀the king of Shimron-meron^CIII	one
the king of Achshaph^CIV	one
₂₁the king of Taanach^CV	one
Notes on verses 20-21a ^CIII “Shimron-meron” = Shimron Meron. 1x in OT. From shamar (to keep, watch, or preserve; to guard something or to protect it as a thorny hedge protects something) + mara (to rebel, flap wings, whip, be filthy) OR from shamar (see above) + mara (to be fat; to have more than enough to eat). This is Shimron-meron, a city whose name means “guard of lashing” or “place of watching and getting fat” or “vigilance and prosperity” or “place of watching and prospering.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Shimron-meron.html ^CIV “Achshaph” = Akshaph. 3x in OT– in Joshua 11, 12, & 19. Perhaps from kashaph (doing sorcery, using magic, reciting a spell); from kesheph (sorcery, magic). This is Achshaph, a place meaning “fascination” or “sorcery.” See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achshaph ^CV “Taanach” = Tanak. 7x in OT. This is Taanach, Tanach, or Tanak. Its meaning is unclear. It may mean “wandering through” or “sandy.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Taanach.html
the king of Megiddo^CVI	one
₂₂the king of Kedesh^CVII	one
the king of Jokneam^CVIII in Carmel^CIX	one
Notes on verses 21b-22 ^CVI “Megiddo” = Mgiddon. 12x in OT. Perhaps from abdan (destruction, perishing); {from abad (to wander off, lose self; to perish, destroy, die, vanish, or be broken or corrupt)} OR from gadad (to cut, gather, assemble, crowd; also, to gash as pushing in). This is Megiddo or Megiddon. It may mean “tower” or “rendezvous” or “invading” or “Place of exposure” or “place of troops” or “place of multitudes.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Megiddo.html ^CVII “Kedesh” = Qedesh. 12x in OT. From the same as qodesh (set apart and so sacred; God is different from us and so God is holy/set apart; things we dedicate to God’s service are set apart for God and so they, too, are holy); related to qadash (set apart, consecrated, hallowed, sanctified; something or someone set apart for a holy purpose or use – ceremonially or morally clean). This is Kedesh or Qedesh, meaning “sanctuary” or “sanctum.” ^CVIII “Jokneam” = Yoqneam. Related to “Ammonites” in v2. 3x in OT – all in Joshua. Perhaps from qonen (a chant or song of lament – the wail during a funeral; can also refer to mourning women); {from qinah (dirge, lamentation; could be a lament with instruments or done while beating one’s breasts); from the same as qayin (spear)} + am (people or nation; a tribe, troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals); {from amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together)} OR from qana (to acquire, create) + am (see above). This is Jokneam, a city whose name means “the people will be lamented” or “let the people acquire” or “possessed of the people.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jokneam.html ^CIX “Carmel” = Karmel. From the same as kerem (vineyard, garden, vines, or a vintage). This is Carmel, a city whose name means “fruitful plentiful field” or “plantation” or “orchard” or “garden.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Carmel.html
₂₃the king of Dor^CX in Naphath-dor^CXI	one
the king of Goiim^CXII in Galilee,^CXIII	one
₂₄the king of Tirzah^CXIV	one

thirty^CXV-one kings in all.

Notes on verses 23-24

^CX “Dor” = Dor. 7x in OT. From dor (a revolution of time, which is to say, an age or generation; a dwelling or one’s posterity); from dur (to move in a circle, which implies living somewhere or remaining there; it can also be the sense of piling or heaping up). This is Dor, meaning “dwelling” or “habitation.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Dor.html
^CXI “Naphath-dor” = naphah + dor. Naphah is 4x in OT. From nuph (to rock back and forth, wave, sprinkle, quiver, beckon, offer, present). This is a height, border, coast, sieve. Dor is the same as “Dor” in v23. See note CX above.
^CXII “Goiim” = goy. From the same root as gevah (the back, person, or body); related to gev (among); related to gaah (to rise up). This is nation or people. Often used to refer to Gentiles or foreign nations. It can also be used figuratively for a group of animals. This is where the Yiddish “goy” comes from.
^CXIII “Galilee” = Gilgal. Related to “Gilead” in v2. From galgal (wheel, wagon, whirl, whirlwind; something that rolls); from galal (see note XXIX above). This is Gilgal – perhaps circle of stones.
^CXIV “Tirzah” = Tirtsah. 18x in OT. From ratsah (to be pleased with, delight, take pleasure in, or accept with favor; to approve or consent regarding something; can be used specifically of satisfying debts or being pardoned). This is Tirzah or Tirtsah, meaning “delight” or “pleasantness” or “pleasure” or “beauty.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Tirzah.html
^CXV “thirty” = sheloshim. From the same as shalosh (three, fork, triad). This is thirty or thirtieth.