The King of Eglon is a notable figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. Eglon was one of the Amorite city-states located in the southern region of Canaan. The king of Eglon played a significant role during the Israelite conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Account

The primary biblical reference to the King of Eglon is found in Joshua 10. In this chapter, the King of Eglon is part of a coalition of five Amorite kings who banded together to attack Gibeon. This coalition was formed in response to Gibeon's treaty with Israel, which the Amorite kings perceived as a threat to their own security and influence in the region.

Joshua 10:3-5 states: "So Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, 'Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon, because they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.' So the five Amorite kings—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces, advanced with all their armies, besieged Gibeon, and fought against it."

The Battle and Defeat

In response to the attack on Gibeon, Joshua led the Israelite army to defend their ally. The Lord assured Joshua of victory, and the Israelites launched a surprise attack on the Amorite coalition. The biblical narrative emphasizes divine intervention, as God is said to have thrown the Amorite armies into confusion and even hurled large hailstones from the sky, which killed more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:10-11).

The five kings, including the King of Eglon, fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave to be sealed with large stones and guarded. After the battle, Joshua commanded that the kings be brought out. They were executed and their bodies were hung on trees until evening, after which they were thrown back into the cave and sealed (Joshua 10:16-27).

Historical and Theological Significance

The defeat of the King of Eglon and his allies is significant in the biblical narrative as it demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites. The victory over the Amorite coalition is portrayed as a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The account also serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's chosen people.

Theologically, the account underscores the theme of divine justice and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. The miraculous nature of the victory, including the hailstones and the sun standing still (Joshua 10:12-14), highlights the belief in God's direct intervention in history to accomplish His purposes.

Archaeological and Geographical Context

Eglon is identified with the archaeological site of Tell Eitun, located in the Shephelah region of Israel. This area was known for its strategic importance due to its location between the coastal plain and the central highlands. The city of Eglon, like other Canaanite city-states, was fortified and played a role in the regional politics of the time.

In summary, the King of Eglon is a figure whose defeat is emblematic of the broader conquest of Canaan by the Israelites, illustrating themes of divine intervention, covenant fulfillment, and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.