The King of Makkedah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. Makkedah was one of the cities in the southern region of Canaan, and its king played a significant role during the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Account

The narrative involving the King of Makkedah is primarily found in Joshua 10. This chapter details the southern campaign of the Israelites as they sought to take possession of the land promised to them by God. The King of Makkedah is one of the five Amorite kings who formed a coalition to attack Gibeon, a city that had made peace with Israel. The coalition included the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon.

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."

In response to this threat, Joshua led the Israelite army to Gibeon's aid. The Lord assured Joshua of victory, as recorded 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 Battle and Defeat

The battle that ensued was marked by divine intervention. The Lord threw the Amorite armies into confusion, and as they fled, He sent down large hailstones, which killed more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:11). Furthermore, Joshua famously commanded the sun and moon to stand still to allow more time for the Israelites to achieve victory, a miraculous event recorded in Joshua 10:12-14.

After the defeat of the Amorite coalition, the five kings, including the King of Makkedah, fled and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave to be sealed with large stones and guarded until the battle was over. Once the Israelites had secured their victory, Joshua commanded that the kings be brought out.

Joshua 10:24-26 describes the fate of these kings: "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. 'Do not be afraid or discouraged,' Joshua said. 'Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.' After this, Joshua struck them down and killed them, and he hung their bodies on five trees, where they remained until evening."

Significance

The defeat of the King of Makkedah and his allies was a pivotal moment in the Israelite conquest of Canaan. It demonstrated the power and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to Israel. The victory at Makkedah and the subsequent execution of the kings served as a powerful message to the surrounding nations about the might of the God of Israel and the inevitability of His plans.

The account of the King of Makkedah underscores themes of divine intervention, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the importance of faith and obedience in the face of overwhelming odds.