Hebron is one of the most ancient cities in the biblical narrative, with significant historical and theological importance. Located in the hill country of Judah, Hebron is first mentioned in Genesis 13:18, where Abram (later Abraham) settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar to the LORD. This city is deeply connected to the patriarchs, as it is the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives in the Cave of Machpelah (Genesis 23:19; 25:9; 49:29-32).

Hebron was also a significant city during the conquest of Canaan. It was one of the cities given to Caleb as an inheritance because he wholly followed the LORD (Joshua 14:13-14). The city later became a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Joshua 21:11-13). During King David's reign, Hebron served as his capital for seven and a half years before he moved the capital to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 2:1-4; 5:1-5).

Jarmuth

Jarmuth is a city mentioned in the context of the conquest of Canaan. It was one of the five Amorite cities whose kings formed a coalition against Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 10:3). The king of Jarmuth, Piram, joined forces with the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Lachish, and Eglon to attack Gibeon, which had made peace with Israel. This coalition was defeated by Joshua in a miraculous battle where the sun stood still (Joshua 10:12-14).

Jarmuth was later allotted to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:35). It is listed among the cities in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah, indicating its strategic importance in the defense and administration of the area.

Lachish

Lachish was a prominent city in the Shephelah region of Judah, known for its strategic military significance. Like Jarmuth, Lachish was part of the coalition of Amorite kings defeated by Joshua (Joshua 10:3-5). After the initial defeat, Joshua captured and destroyed Lachish (Joshua 10:31-32).

In the period of the divided monarchy, Lachish became a fortified city under King Rehoboam of Judah (2 Chronicles 11:9). It later played a crucial role during the Assyrian invasion. The Assyrian king Sennacherib besieged and captured Lachish, as depicted in the famous Lachish Reliefs found in Nineveh (2 Kings 18:13-14; 2 Chronicles 32:9).

Eglon

Eglon was another city involved in the coalition against Israel during the conquest of Canaan. Its king, Debir, joined the alliance with the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, and Lachish (Joshua 10:3). After the defeat of the coalition, Joshua captured Eglon and put its king and people to the sword (Joshua 10:34-35).

Eglon was later included in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:39). Its mention in the biblical narrative highlights the comprehensive nature of Israel's conquest and the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham.