The term "32 Kings" is not directly referenced as a specific group or event in the Bible. However, the concept of multiple kings is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the ancient Near East, where numerous city-states and kingdoms were ruled by their respective monarchs. The Bible often mentions various kings in relation to Israel and its neighboring nations, highlighting the complex political and military landscape of the time.

Biblical Context

1. Canaanite Kings: In the conquest narratives of the Book of Joshua, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, encounter numerous kings who rule over the Canaanite city-states. Joshua 12 provides a list of defeated kings, which includes thirty-one kings conquered by the Israelites as they took possession of the Promised Land. This list underscores the multitude of small, independent kingdoms that existed in Canaan during this period.

· Joshua 12:24 : "the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings."

2. Coalitions of Kings: The Bible frequently describes coalitions of kings who band together for military campaigns. One notable example is the alliance of five Amorite kings who waged war against Gibeon, prompting Joshua to come to Gibeon's aid. This event is recorded in Joshua 10, where the miraculous event of the sun standing still occurs.

· 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."

3. Kings in the Time of the Judges: During the period of the Judges, Israel faced threats from various kings who sought to dominate or oppress them. For instance, Judges 3 mentions Eglon, the king of Moab, who subjugated Israel for eighteen years before being assassinated by Ehud.

· Judges 3:12-14 : "Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, and He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. After gathering to himself the Ammonites and Amalekites, Eglon marched out and struck down Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms. The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years."

4. Kings of Israel and Judah: The united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon eventually divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, each ruled by its own line of kings. The Books of Kings and Chronicles provide detailed accounts of these monarchs, their reigns, and their interactions with other nations' kings.

5. Prophetic Oracles Against Kings: The prophets of Israel often delivered oracles against foreign kings and their nations, pronouncing divine judgment for their actions against Israel or their idolatry and wickedness. These prophecies highlight the sovereignty of God over all nations and their rulers.

6. Symbolic Use of Kings: In apocalyptic literature, such as the Book of Daniel and Revelation, kings often symbolize earthly powers and empires. These texts use imagery of kings and kingdoms to convey messages about divine sovereignty, judgment, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom.

The concept of "32 Kings" can be understood within this broader biblical framework, where the multiplicity of kings reflects the historical and theological realities of the biblical world.