The account of the five Amorite kings is a significant narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. These kings were leaders of Amorite city-states in Canaan during the time of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. The Amorites were one of the many Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land before the arrival of the Israelites.

Biblical Account:

The account of the five Amorite kings is primarily recorded in Joshua 10. After the Israelites, led by Joshua, had successfully captured the city of Ai and made a treaty with the Gibeonites, the surrounding Amorite kings became alarmed. The five kings were:

1. Adoni-Zedek, King of Jerusalem
2. Hoham, King of Hebron
3. Piram, King of Jarmuth
4. Japhia, King of Lachish
5. Debir, King of Eglon

These kings formed a coalition to attack Gibeon because it had made peace with Israel. Joshua 10:5 states, "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."

Divine Intervention and Victory:

In response to the Gibeonites' plea for help, Joshua led the Israelite army on an all-night march from Gilgal to Gibeon. The Lord assured Joshua of victory, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8).

The battle was marked by miraculous events. As the Israelites fought, the Lord threw the Amorites into confusion, and as they fled, He hurled large hailstones from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:10-11). Furthermore, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still to prolong the daylight, and God granted this request, allowing Israel to achieve a complete victory (Joshua 10:12-14).

The Fate of the Kings:

The five kings fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave's entrance 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 with stones (Joshua 10:16-27).

Theological Significance:

The defeat of the five Amorite kings is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. It demonstrates His power to deliver His people and His judgment against the Canaanite nations, who were steeped in idolatry and immorality. The narrative underscores the importance of obedience and reliance on divine guidance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Amorites were a prominent group in the ancient Near East, known for their fortified cities and military prowess. The coalition of these five kings represents a significant threat to the nascent Israelite nation. Their defeat not only secured the safety of the Gibeonites but also paved the way for further conquests in the southern region of Canaan.

The account of the five Amorite kings is a vivid illustration of the biblical theme of God's intervention in history to accomplish His purposes, using both natural and supernatural means to ensure the success of His chosen people.