The King of Makkedah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. Makkedah was one of the cities in the southern region of Canaan, and its king played a significant role during the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Account:

The narrative involving the King of Makkedah is found in Joshua 10. This chapter details the southern campaign of the Israelites as they sought to take possession of the land promised to them by God. The King of Makkedah is one of the five Amorite kings who formed a coalition to attack Gibeon, a city that had made a peace treaty with Israel.

Joshua 10:3-5 states: "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, 'Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon, because they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.' 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."

In response to this threat, Joshua led the Israelite army to Gibeon's aid. The Lord assured Joshua of victory, and the Israelites launched a surprise attack on the Amorite coalition. The battle was marked by miraculous events, including the famous account of the sun standing still at Joshua's request, allowing the Israelites more time to achieve victory.

Joshua 10:12-14 records this event: "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel."

After the defeat of the Amorite coalition, the five kings, including the King of Makkedah, fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave to be sealed with large stones and guarded. Later, the kings were brought out, and Joshua executed them as a demonstration of God's judgment against the Canaanite kings who opposed Israel.

Joshua 10:24-26 describes their fate: "When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the commanders of the troops who had gone with him, 'Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.' So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. 'Do not be afraid or discouraged,' Joshua said. 'Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.' After this, Joshua struck them down and killed them, and he hung their bodies on five trees, where they remained until evening."

Historical and Theological Significance:

The account of the King of Makkedah and the other Amorite kings serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites. It underscores the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The narrative also highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's power, as demonstrated by Joshua's leadership and the miraculous events that accompanied the battle.

The account of the King of Makkedah is a reminder of the consequences faced by those who oppose God's will and the ultimate victory of God's people when they rely on His strength and guidance.