Debir, the king of Eglon, is a notable figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. He was one of the five Amorite kings who formed a coalition to wage war against the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The narrative of Debir and his involvement in the conflict is primarily found in Joshua 10.

Historical Context

Eglon was one of the cities in the southern region of Canaan, and its king, Debir, played a significant role in the resistance against the Israelite incursion. The city of Eglon was strategically important, and its king's decision to join forces with other Amorite kings highlights the collective effort of the Canaanite city-states to halt the advance of the Israelites.

Biblical Account

In Joshua 10:3-5 , the text records the alliance formed by the five Amorite kings: "So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem appealed 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."

The coalition's primary objective was to punish the city of Gibeon for making peace with Israel, thereby attempting to deter other cities from aligning with Joshua. However, the alliance's efforts were thwarted by divine intervention and the military prowess of Joshua and the Israelites.

Defeat and Execution

The narrative continues with the miraculous victory of the Israelites at Gibeon, where God intervened by casting down large hailstones and prolonging the daylight to ensure a complete victory (Joshua 10:11-14). Following this decisive battle, the five kings, including Debir, fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave to be sealed with large stones and guarded until the battle was over.

After the Israelites secured victory, Joshua commanded that the kings be brought out of the cave. In Joshua 10:24-26 , it is recorded: "When they had brought these 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."

Theological Significance

The account of Debir, king of Eglon, and his defeat serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding the conquest of Canaan. It underscores the theme of divine intervention and the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands. The narrative also illustrates the consequences of opposing God's chosen people and the futility of resisting His divine will.

Debir's account, while brief, is a part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest and settlement in the Promised Land, reflecting the broader themes of judgment, deliverance, and the establishment of God's covenant with Israel.Joshua 10:3-27
Why Adonizedec king of Jerusalem, sent to Hoham king of Hebron, and to Piram king of Jarmuth, and to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... were Hebron, with its copious water supply, Debir to the ... succeeded his father Gideon
as king of the ... gained admittance to the presence of Eglon, secretly slew ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... his steps, and presenting himself before the palace of Eglon in the ... Achish, for example,
King of Gath ... in marriage to him who should capture Debir; this turned ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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