The title "King of Jarmuth" refers to the monarch who ruled over the ancient Canaanite city of Jarmuth during the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, as recorded in the Old Testament. Jarmuth was one of the cities located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Judah, and played a significant role in the biblical narrative of the conquest.

Biblical References:

The King of Jarmuth is first mentioned in the Book of Joshua, specifically in the context of the southern campaign led by Joshua against the Canaanite kings. In Joshua 10:3, the King of Jarmuth is identified as Piram: "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." These kings formed a coalition to fight against the Gibeonites, who had made a peace treaty with Israel.

The narrative continues in Joshua 10:5, where these kings, including the King of Jarmuth, gathered their forces to attack Gibeon: "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."

Joshua's response to this coalition is swift and decisive. In Joshua 10:23, the capture of these kings is described: "So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon." Subsequently, Joshua and the Israelites defeated the coalition, and the kings were executed, as detailed in Joshua 10:26: "After this, Joshua struck them down and killed them, and he hung their bodies on five trees, where they remained until evening."

Historical and Archaeological Context:

Jarmuth is identified with the modern site of Khirbet Yarmuk, located near the city of Beit Shemesh in Israel. Archaeological excavations have revealed that Jarmuth was a significant fortified city during the Middle Bronze Age and continued to be inhabited through the Late Bronze Age and into the Iron Age. The city's strategic location in the Shephelah made it an important center for trade and military activity.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the account of the King of Jarmuth and the coalition of Canaanite kings highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham. The narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness in delivering Israel's enemies into their hands, as seen in Joshua 10:8: "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.'"

The defeat of the King of Jarmuth and his allies serves as a testament to the power of God working through His chosen leader, Joshua, to accomplish His divine purposes. This event underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the assurance of victory when His people trust in Him.