The conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua marks a significant period in the history of Israel as recorded in the Old Testament. Following the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The narrative of the kings defeated by Joshua is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 10 through 12, and it highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan.

Southern Campaign

The initial phase of Joshua's military campaign involved the southern region of Canaan. The first major victory was the fall of Jericho, a fortified city whose walls collapsed after the Israelites marched around them for seven days, as instructed by God (Joshua 6). Following Jericho, the city of Ai was captured after an initial setback due to Achan's sin (Joshua 7-8).

The southern campaign continued with the defeat of a coalition of Amorite kings. Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, formed an alliance with four other kings—Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon—to attack Gibeon, which had made peace with Israel. In response, Joshua led a surprise attack, and the Lord intervened by hurling large hailstones from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword. The famous event of the sun standing still occurred during this battle, allowing Israel more time to achieve victory (Joshua 10:1-15).

Joshua then proceeded to capture and destroy the cities of Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, executing their kings and leaving no survivors, as commanded by God (Joshua 10:28-39). This campaign effectively subdued the southern region of Canaan.

Northern Campaign

The northern campaign began with the coalition led by Jabin, king of Hazor. This alliance included kings from Madon, Shimron, Achshaph, and other northern territories. The Lord assured Joshua of victory, and the Israelites launched a surprise attack at the waters of Merom. The enemy was defeated, and Hazor, the head of all those kingdoms, was captured and burned (Joshua 11:1-13).

List of Defeated Kings

Joshua 12 provides a comprehensive list of the thirty-one kings defeated by Joshua and the Israelites. This list serves as a testament to the complete conquest of the land as promised by God. The kings defeated include:

1. The king of Jericho
2. The king of Ai, near Bethel
3. The king of Jerusalem
4. The king of Hebron
5. The king of Jarmuth
6. The king of Lachish
7. The king of Eglon
8. The king of Gezer
9. The king of Debir
10. The king of Geder
11. The king of Hormah
12. The king of Arad
13. The king of Libnah
14. The king of Adullam
15. The king of Makkedah
16. The king of Bethel
17. The king of Tappuah
18. The king of Hepher
19. The king of Aphek
20. The king of Lasharon
21. The king of Madon
22. The king of Hazor
23. The king of Shimron Meron
24. The king of Achshaph
25. The king of Taanach
26. The king of Megiddo
27. The king of Kedesh
28. The king of Jokneam in Carmel
29. The king of Dor in Naphath-dor
30. The king of Goiim in Gilgal
31. The king of Tirzah

Theological Significance

The defeat of these kings and the conquest of Canaan are seen as acts of divine judgment against the Canaanite nations for their idolatry and wickedness. The victories underscore the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the consequences of Achan's sin and the subsequent victory at Ai. The conquest under Joshua's leadership set the stage for the establishment of Israel in the land, a central theme in the unfolding account of God's redemptive plan.