Japhi'a is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. He is identified as a king of Lachish, a significant Canaanite city during the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 10:3 : "So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying," This verse introduces Japhi'a as one of the five Amorite kings who formed a coalition against the Israelites. The coalition was led by Adoni-zedek, the king of Jerusalem, in response to the Gibeonites making peace with Joshua and the Israelites.

2. Joshua 10:5 : "So the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces, advanced with all their armies, besieged Gibeon, and fought against it." Japhi'a, as king of Lachish, participated in the siege of Gibeon, demonstrating the threat perceived by the Canaanite kings due to the Israelite presence and their recent alliance with Gibeon.

3. Joshua 10:23 : "So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon." After the miraculous intervention by God, which included the famous event of the sun standing still, the Israelites defeated the coalition. The five kings, including Japhi'a, sought refuge in a cave at Makkedah but were captured by Joshua's forces.

4. Joshua 10:26 : "After this, Joshua struck them down and killed them, and he hung their bodies on five trees, where they remained until evening." Japhi'a, along with the other captured kings, was executed by Joshua, signifying the complete victory of the Israelites over the coalition and the divine judgment upon the Canaanite kings.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Japhi'a's role in the biblical narrative underscores the resistance faced by the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. The coalition of the five Amorite kings represents the broader opposition of the Canaanite city-states to the divinely ordained mission of the Israelites. The defeat of Japhi'a and his allies is portrayed as a testament to God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham.

The account of Japhi'a also highlights the theme of divine intervention in the battles of Israel. The miraculous events, such as the hailstones and the prolonging of daylight, emphasize that the victories of Israel were not merely due to military prowess but were acts of God supporting His chosen people.

In the broader context of biblical history, the fall of Japhi'a and the other kings marks a significant step in the establishment of Israel in Canaan, setting the stage for the eventual settlement and division of the land among the tribes of Israel.Japhi'a (5 Occurrences)

Joshua 10:3
Wherefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying:
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Joshua 19:12
And it turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chisloth-tabor; and it went out to Dobrath, and went up to Japhia.
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2 Samuel 5:15
and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia;
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1 Chronicles 3:7
and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia;
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1 Chronicles 14:6
and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia;
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Japhi'a (5 Occurrences)
Japhi'a. Japhia, Japhi'a. Japhlet . Multi-Version Concordance
Japhi'a (5 Occurrences). Joshua 10:3 Wherefore Adoni-zedek king of ...
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Japhia (5 Occurrences)

/j/japhia.htm - 10k

Japhlet (2 Occurrences)

/j/japhlet.htm - 7k

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