The Southern Campaign: Five Kings at Makkedah and the Sweep of the South

Bible Believing Christian
Oct 3
3 min read

The Southern Campaign: Five Kings at Makkedah and the Sweep of the South

After the long day over Gibeon, Israel faces the cleanup: five kings in a cave, a string of fortified cities, and a question bigger than tactics—who really fights for God’s people? Joshua 10:16–43 shows the answer without subtlety: the LORD does, and His fought-for people must obey, finish the work, and renew covenant courage.

Biblical Foundation (NASB)

“Now these five kings had fled and hidden themselves in the cave at Makkedah. And it was told to Joshua, saying, ‘The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah.’ And Joshua said, ‘Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and station men by it to guard them, but do not stay there yourselves; pursue your enemies and attack them in the rear. Do not allow them to enter their cities, for the LORD your God has handed them over to you.’” (Joshua 10:16–19)

When the kings are brought out:“Then Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, ‘Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.’ So they came near and put their feet on their necks. Joshua then said to them, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.’” (Joshua 10:24–25)

The campaign summary:“Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” (Joshua 10:42)

Historical & Contextual Notes

Makkedah to Hebron & Debir: After neutralizing the kings (Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon), Joshua executes them at Makkedah, then moves in rapid sequence: Makkedah → Libnah → Lachish → Eglon → Hebron → Debir (Joshua 10:28–39). The text’s cadence (“that day… then Joshua… and the LORD gave…”) underscores a divinely driven momentum.

Foot-on-the-neck ritual: A common ANE victory sign, mirrored in royal reliefs. Scripture retools it as catechesis—“thus the LORD will do…”—teaching courage rooted in God’s action, not cruelty.

Strategic wisdom: Joshua seals the cave, maintains pursuit, and prevents enemy regrouping—means and miracle together (cf. 10:11 hail; 10:12–14 long day).

Misconceptions / Objections

“This is primitive brutality.” The narrative frames judgment within Canaan’s iniquity (cf. Gen 15:16) and a unique, unrepeatable moment in redemptive history. The same chapter highlights an oath-kept mercy to Gibeon (9:15; 10:6–10). God’s justice and patience stand together.

“Faith makes strategy unnecessary.” Not here. Joshua prays, believes, and plans. Biblical faith uses God-given means under God’s word.

Theological Reflection

Courage is commanded because victory is promised. “Do not fear… be strong and courageous” (10:25) echoes 1:9, now enacted with feet on conquered necks. It is not bravado; it’s faith-in-action.

God fights; people finish. Verse 42 grounds the entire sweep: “because the LORD… fought for Israel.” Yet Israel marches, pursues, and prosecutes the campaign. Divine sovereignty energizes human obedience.

Memory against future fear. The public ritual turns battlefield adrenaline into discipleship—leaders modeling courage the people must carry into the next hill town.

Connection to Christ

Footstool theology fulfilled: Joshua’s foot-on-neck moment previews the Messiah’s reign—“Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” (Psalm 110:1; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:25–27 NASB).

Greater Joshua, greater victory: What Joshua did to five kings locally, Jesus accomplishes cosmically—“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public display of them, having triumphed over them in Him.” (Colossians 2:15 NASB).

Courage from the cross: Our “be strong and courageous” rests not on temporary campaigns but on the finished work of Christ and His ongoing reign.

Christ-Centered Conclusion

The southern sweep is more than military reportage. It is a catechism in courage: God fights for His people; therefore, rise and finish your assignment. Joshua’s foot on the necks points beyond itself to the enthroned Christ, under whose feet all enemies will finally lie. Until that day, the church advances—not by sword, but by gospel obedience and unflinching trust.