The Conquest of the Amorite Kings is a significant event in the history of Israel as recorded in the Old Testament. This event is primarily detailed in the Book of Joshua, chapters 10 and 11, and is a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey to claim the Promised Land, as commanded by God.

Background

The Amorites were one of the many Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land of Canaan, which God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Amorites were known for their fortified cities and formidable warriors. The conquest of these kings was part of the larger campaign led by Joshua, Moses' successor, to take possession of the land.

The Southern Campaign

The initial phase of the conquest involved a coalition of five Amorite kings: Adoni-Zedek of Jerusalem, Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. These kings united to attack Gibeon, a city that had made peace with Israel. In response, the Gibeonites called upon Joshua for help.

Joshua 10:8-10 records God's assurance to Joshua: "The LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.' So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having marched all night from Gilgal. And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, chased them along the road to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah."

A miraculous event occurred during this battle, as recorded in Joshua 10:12-14 , where Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still: "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel."

The Northern Campaign

Following the southern victories, Joshua turned his attention to the northern coalition of kings led by Jabin, king of Hazor. This coalition included numerous kings and their armies, as described in Joshua 11:1-5. Despite the overwhelming numbers, God reassured Joshua of victory.

Joshua 11:6 states, "The LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.'"

Joshua executed a surprise attack at the waters of Merom, leading to a decisive victory. The Israelites pursued their enemies and left no survivors, as commanded by God. Joshua 11:15 emphasizes Joshua's obedience: "As the LORD had commanded His servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses."

Significance

The conquest of the Amorite kings demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to deliver His people. It also served as a testament to the importance of obedience and faith in God's commands. The victories over the Amorite kings were instrumental in establishing Israel's presence in the Promised Land and fulfilling the covenant God made with the patriarchs.