Joshua 10:17

17 and it was reported to Y'hoshua that the five kings had been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah.

Joshua 10:17 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 10:17

And it was told Joshua
Either by some of his own people, or by some of the inhabitants of the land in his interest, who had observed it:

saying, the five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah:
this seems to make it appear that they were others, and not Joshua's soldiers, that found them; for had they, no doubt they would have seized them, and brought them before him, or slain them, unless they chose first to know his will concerning them, next expressed.

Joshua 10:17 In-Context

15 Y'hoshua returned with all Isra'el to the camp at Gilgal.

16 But those five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah,

17 and it was reported to Y'hoshua that the five kings had been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah.

18 Y'hoshua said, "Roll big stones to the mouth of the cave, and put men there to guard them.

19 However, you, don't wait, but keep chasing your enemies, and attack those farthest in the rear. Don't allow them to return to their cities, because ADONAI has handed them over to you."