The Southern Campaign refers to a series of military engagements and conquests led by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua, as recorded in the Old Testament. This campaign was a crucial part of the Israelites' efforts to take possession of the Promised Land, as commanded by God. The narrative of the Southern Campaign is primarily found in the Book of Joshua, chapters 10 and 11.

Background and Context

Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, the Israelites began their conquest of Canaan. The Southern Campaign was initiated after the successful Central Campaign, which included the defeat of Ai and the renewal of the covenant at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. The Southern Campaign was characterized by a series of battles against a coalition of Canaanite kings who sought to resist the Israelite advance.

Key Events

1. The Gibeonite Deception: Before the Southern Campaign began, the Gibeonites, fearing the Israelites, resorted to deception to secure a peace treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9:3-15). This treaty later obligated the Israelites to defend Gibeon when it was attacked by a coalition of Amorite kings.

2. The Battle of Gibeon: The Southern Campaign was catalyzed by the attack on Gibeon by five Amorite kings led by Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem. In response, Joshua led a surprise night march from Gilgal to Gibeon. The Lord intervened miraculously, as recorded in Joshua 10:11, "As they fled before Israel on the descent from Beth-horon, the LORD cast down large hailstones on them from the sky, more than the Israelites killed with the sword."

3. The Sun Stands Still: One of the most remarkable events during the Southern Campaign was when Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still to allow more time for battle. Joshua 10:13 states, "So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies." This divine intervention demonstrated God's direct involvement in the conquest.

4. Conquest of the Southern Cities: Following the victory at Gibeon, Joshua and the Israelites continued their campaign, capturing and destroying key southern cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir. Each city was devoted to destruction as commanded by God, ensuring that the Israelites would not be led astray by the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites.

5. The Defeat of the Southern Coalition: The campaign culminated in the defeat of the southern coalition of kings. Joshua 10:40 summarizes the campaign: "So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country, the Negev, the foothills, and the slopes, together with all their kings. He left no survivors, devoting to destruction everything that breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded."

Theological Significance

The Southern Campaign underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly the promise of land to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). It also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of divine judgment against the Canaanite nations for their wickedness. The campaign serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and power, as He fought for Israel and ensured their victory.

Lessons and Applications

The Southern Campaign teaches believers about the necessity of faith and reliance on God's power in the face of overwhelming odds. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of compromising with the surrounding culture. The narrative encourages Christians to trust in God's promises and to pursue His purposes with courage and determination.