The term "The Five Kings" refers to a coalition of Amorite kings mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. These kings are significant for their opposition to the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The narrative of the Five Kings is primarily found in Joshua 10.

Biblical Account

In Joshua 10, the Five Kings are identified as the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. These kings formed an alliance to attack Gibeon, a city that had made peace with Israel. The Gibeonites appealed to Joshua for help, prompting him to lead a surprise attack against the coalition.

The Bible records that the Lord intervened on behalf of Israel, causing confusion among the Amorite forces and sending hailstones from heaven to defeat them. Joshua 10:11 states, "As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites."

Joshua then commanded the sun and moon to stand still to allow more time for the Israelites to achieve victory. Joshua 10:13 records this miraculous event: "So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies."

Capture and Execution

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, and Joshua summoned the leaders of Israel to place their feet on the necks of the kings, symbolizing their complete subjugation. Joshua 10:24 recounts this act: "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."

Following this symbolic act, Joshua executed the kings and hung their bodies on trees until evening, after which they were thrown back into the cave where they had hidden, and the entrance was sealed with stones. This event demonstrated the Lord's power and the fulfillment of His promise to deliver the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites.

Theological Significance

The account of the Five Kings highlights several key theological themes. It underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His direct intervention in history to fulfill His promises to His people. The miraculous events, such as the hailstones and the sun standing still, serve as a testament to God's power and His commitment to Israel's success.

Additionally, the narrative illustrates the importance of faith and obedience. Joshua's leadership and the Israelites' trust in God's promises were crucial in achieving victory. The account also serves as a warning against opposing God's purposes, as seen in the ultimate defeat and humiliation of the Amorite kings.

Historical and Cultural Context

The coalition of the Five Kings reflects the political landscape of Canaan during the Late Bronze Age, characterized by city-states and regional alliances. The cities mentioned—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—were significant urban centers in southern Canaan. The alliance of these kings against Israel indicates the threat perceived by the Canaanite rulers due to the Israelites' presence and their divine mandate to conquer the land.

The execution of the kings and the public display of their bodies were common practices in the ancient Near East, serving as a deterrent to others and a demonstration of the victor's dominance. This cultural context provides insight into the actions taken by Joshua and the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan.