Joshua 10:17

17 It was reported to Joshua: "The five kings have been found; they are 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 Then Joshua and all Israel with him returned to the camp at Gilgal.

16 Now the five [defeated] kings had fled and hidden themselves in the cave at Makkedah.

17 It was reported to Joshua: "The five kings have been found; they are hiding in the cave at Makkedah."

18 Joshua said, "Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and station men by it to guard the kings.

19 But as for the rest of you, don't stay there. Pursue your enemies and attack them from behind. Don't let them enter their cities, for the Lord your God has handed them over to you."