The term "Kings of the Lands" refers to the various monarchs and rulers mentioned throughout the Bible who governed different territories and nations surrounding Israel. These kings often played significant roles in the biblical narrative, interacting with the Israelites in contexts of war, diplomacy, and prophecy. The Bible provides accounts of these kings to illustrate God's sovereignty over all nations and His divine plan for Israel.

1. Kings of Canaan:

The conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership involved numerous kings who ruled over the city-states in the region. Joshua 12 provides a list of thirty-one kings defeated by the Israelites, including the kings of Jericho, Ai, Jerusalem, Hebron, and Jarmuth. These kings often formed coalitions to resist the Israelite invasion, as seen in the southern and northern campaigns (Joshua 10-11).

2. Kings of Egypt:

Pharaohs, the kings of Egypt, are frequently mentioned in the Bible. The most notable is the Pharaoh during the Exodus, who refused to let the Israelites go, leading to the ten plagues (Exodus 7-12). Another significant Pharaoh is Shishak, who invaded Judah during the reign of Rehoboam and took treasures from the temple (1 Kings 14:25-26).

3. Kings of Assyria:

The Assyrian Empire was a dominant force in the Near East, and its kings are mentioned in relation to the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Notable Assyrian kings include Tiglath-Pileser III, who received tribute from Menahem, king of Israel (2 Kings 15:19-20), and Sennacherib, who besieged Jerusalem during Hezekiah's reign but was miraculously defeated by the angel of the Lord (2 Kings 19:35-36).

4. Kings of Babylon:

Babylonian kings played a crucial role in the history of Judah, particularly during the Babylonian exile. Nebuchadnezzar II is the most prominent, known for conquering Jerusalem, destroying the temple, and exiling the Jewish people (2 Kings 25). Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon, witnessed the fall of the empire to the Medes and Persians as prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 5).

5. Kings of Persia:

The Persian Empire succeeded Babylon and is noted for its more favorable treatment of the Jewish exiles. Cyrus the Great is celebrated for issuing the decree that allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Darius and Artaxerxes are other Persian kings mentioned in the context of the rebuilding efforts (Ezra 6:14; Nehemiah 2:1).

6. Kings of Moab, Ammon, and Edom:

These neighboring nations often had contentious relationships with Israel. The Moabite king Balak sought to curse Israel through Balaam (Numbers 22-24). The Ammonite king Nahash threatened Jabesh-gilead, leading to Saul's first military victory (1 Samuel 11). Edom, descended from Esau, frequently clashed with Israel, and its kings are mentioned in various conflicts (2 Kings 8:20-22).

7. Kings of Aram (Syria):

The Aramean kingdom, with its capital in Damascus, was a frequent adversary of Israel. Ben-Hadad I and II are notable kings who waged war against Israel during the reigns of Ahab and Jehoram (1 Kings 20; 2 Kings 6-7). The prophet Elisha played a significant role in interactions with the Aramean kings, demonstrating God's power over Israel's enemies.

8. Kings of the Philistines:

The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Their rulers, often referred to as "lords" rather than kings, included figures like Achish, king of Gath, who interacted with David during his fugitive years (1 Samuel 27:1-3).

These kings, whether adversaries or allies, serve as instruments in the biblical narrative to demonstrate God's ultimate authority and His unfolding plan for His chosen people, Israel. The interactions between these kings and the Israelites highlight themes of judgment, redemption, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.