Joshua 10:17

17 When Joshua heard that they had been found,

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 the Israelite army returned to their camp at Gilgal.

16 During the battle the five kings escaped and hid in a cave at Makkedah.

17 When Joshua heard that they had been found,

18 he issued this command: “Cover the opening of the cave with large rocks, and place guards at the entrance to keep the kings inside.

19 The rest of you continue chasing the enemy and cut them down from the rear. Don’t give them a chance to get back to their towns, for the LORD your God has given you victory over them.”