The Execution of the Five Kings of the Amorites 16th century

Hans Resch created this relief panel, “The Execution of the Five Kings of the Amorites,” in the late 16th century. Resch lived during a time of religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants. The story he depicts comes from the Old Testament, in which Joshua orders the execution of five kings who threatened his people. This panel shows the moment of the execution, as the Israelite soldiers carry out Joshua’s command. In its time, the story would have been understood as a lesson in divinely sanctioned justice. However, the emotional complexity is evident as the victims are being hung from a tree. While the victorious Israelites stand by, seemingly unaffected, the viewer is left to reflect on the human cost of religious and political conflict. Resch’s carving invites us to contemplate the complexities of faith, power, and identity during a time of immense religious and social change. The panel serves as a reminder of how the stories we tell about ourselves and others shape our understanding of justice, morality, and belonging.