The Defeat of the Five Kings is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua, chapter 10. This event highlights the divine intervention and military prowess that characterized the Israelite conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, the successor of Moses.

Context and Background

Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, the Israelites continued their campaign to take possession of the Promised Land. The Gibeonites, fearing the might of Israel, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty with Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 9). This treaty, although obtained under false pretenses, was honored by Joshua, demonstrating the Israelites' commitment to their oaths before God.

The Coalition of the Five Kings

The news of the Gibeonite treaty with Israel alarmed the surrounding Canaanite kings. Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, formed a coalition with four other Amorite kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. These kings united to attack Gibeon, a significant city due to its strategic location and recent alliance with Israel (Joshua 10:1-5).

Joshua's Response and Divine Intervention

Upon receiving an urgent plea for help from the Gibeonites, Joshua and his army marched overnight from Gilgal to Gibeon. The LORD assured Joshua of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8). This divine promise emboldened Joshua and his forces.

As the battle commenced, the LORD intervened in a miraculous manner. The Israelites launched a surprise attack, causing the Amorite coalition to panic and flee. As they retreated, the LORD hurled large hailstones from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:11).

The Sun Stands Still

One of the most extraordinary aspects of this battle was Joshua's prayer for the sun to stand still. "Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: 'Sun, stand still over Gibeon; and Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance upon their enemies" (Joshua 10:12-13). This miraculous event demonstrated God's sovereign control over creation and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to Israel.

The Fate of the Five Kings

After the battle, the five kings 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, humiliated by having the Israelite commanders place their feet on the kings' necks, and then executed. Their bodies were hung on trees until evening, after which they were thrown back into the cave, which was sealed again (Joshua 10:16-27).

Significance

The defeat of the five kings was a pivotal moment in the conquest of Canaan. It demonstrated the LORD's power and faithfulness in delivering Israel's enemies into their hands. The event also served as a testament to the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises. The miraculous halting of the sun and moon underscored the divine nature of Israel's mission and the LORD's active role in the unfolding history of His chosen people.