Japhia
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(“shining” or “distinguished”) (Josh. 10:3-27)—king of Lachish and one of the five Amorite kings who joined the attack on Gibeon. After Joshua’s victory they hid in the cave at Makkedah. Joshua confined them there until the battle was finished, then brought them out, publicly demonstrated the LORD’s promised victory, executed them, and returned their bodies to the cave. The narrative presents the conquest within Israel’s ancient covenantal war and does not authorize private violence.