The Amorite Coalition refers to the alliance of Amorite kings who opposed the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The Amorites were a significant group among the Canaanite tribes, known for their formidable cities and military prowess. The coalition is most notably mentioned in the context of the Battle of Gibeon, as recorded in the Book of Joshua.

Biblical Account

The primary biblical narrative concerning the Amorite Coalition is found in Joshua 10. After the Gibeonites made a treaty with Israel, the surrounding Amorite kings perceived this as a threat. Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, spearheaded the coalition, which included Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon. These kings united to attack Gibeon for allying with Israel.

Joshua 10:5 states, "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."

Divine Intervention and Victory

In response to the Gibeonites' plea for help, Joshua led the Israelite army on an all-night march 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).

The battle was marked by miraculous events. As the Israelites fought, the Lord threw the Amorites into confusion, and large hailstones fell from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:10-11). Furthermore, Joshua famously prayed for the sun to stand still to prolong the daylight, allowing Israel to achieve a complete victory. "So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:13).

Aftermath and Significance

The defeat of the Amorite Coalition was a pivotal moment in the Israelite conquest of Canaan. It demonstrated the power of God in fulfilling His promises to Israel and His ability to intervene supernaturally on their behalf. The victory over the coalition also served to demoralize other Canaanite tribes, paving the way for further conquests.

The Amorite kings were captured and executed, as described in Joshua 10:24-26 : "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.'"

Cultural and Historical Context

The Amorites were a Semitic people who had established themselves in the region of Canaan well before the arrival of the Israelites. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the primary inhabitants of the land. The coalition of Amorite kings reflects the political landscape of Canaan at the time, characterized by city-states and regional alliances.

The defeat of the Amorite Coalition is a testament to the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising their descendants the land of Canaan. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and faithfulness throughout the biblical narrative.