The Southern Campaign refers to a series of military engagements led by Joshua and the Israelites as they sought to conquer the southern region of Canaan, as recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 10 and 11. This campaign is a significant part of the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land, following their initial victories in the central region, including the fall of Jericho and Ai.

The campaign begins with the Gibeonite deception, where the Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelites, resort to trickery to secure a peace treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9:3-15). When the surrounding Amorite kings learn of this alliance, they form a coalition to attack Gibeon. The kings involved in this coalition include Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem, Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon (Joshua 10:3-5).

In response to the Gibeonites' plea for help, Joshua leads a surprise night march from Gilgal to Gibeon. The LORD assures 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). The Israelites, with divine assistance, rout the Amorite coalition. During the battle, God intervenes by hurling large hailstones from the sky, which kill more of the enemy than the Israelites do with the sword (Joshua 10:11).

A miraculous event occurs when Joshua prays for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon, allowing the Israelites more time to achieve victory. The text records, "So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:13). This extraordinary event underscores the divine support for Israel's conquest.

Following this victory, Joshua and the Israelites continue their campaign in the south, capturing and destroying key cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir (Joshua 10:28-39). The text emphasizes that Joshua left no survivors, as he carried out the LORD's command to devote these cities to destruction (Joshua 10:40).

The Southern Campaign concludes with the subjugation of the entire southern region, from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza and from the region of Goshen to Gibeon. The narrative highlights that Joshua captured all these kings and their lands in one campaign because "the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel" (Joshua 10:42).

This campaign is pivotal in establishing Israelite control over the southern part of Canaan, demonstrating both the military prowess of Joshua and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The Southern Campaign, like the rest of the conquest, is characterized by the Israelites' reliance on divine guidance and intervention, as well as their commitment to the covenantal commands given to them.