Joshua 10:12-22

12 The day God gave the Amorites up to Israel, Joshua spoke to God, with all Israel listening: "Stop, Sun, over Gibeon; Halt, Moon, over Aijalon Valley."

13 And Sun stopped, Moon stood stock still Until he defeated his enemies.

14 There's never been a day like that before or since - God took orders from a human voice! Truly, God fought for Israel.

15 Then Joshua returned, all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.

16 Meanwhile the five kings had hidden in the cave at Makkedah.

17 Joshua was told, "The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah."

18 Joshua said, "Roll big stones against the mouth of the cave and post guards to keep watch.

19 But don't you hang around - go after your enemies. Cut off their retreat. Don't let them back into their cities. God has given them to you."

20 Joshua and the People of Israel then finished them off, total devastation. Only a few got away to the fortified towns.

21 The whole army then returned intact to the camp and to Joshua at Makkedah. There was no criticism that day from the People of Israel!

22 Then Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring me those five kings."

Joshua 10:12-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA 10

This chapter treats of the combination of five kings against the Gibeonites, Jos 10:1-5; and of the application of the Gibeonites to Joshua, for assistance, in virtue of the league between them, which was granted, Jos 10:6-9; of the slaughter of the army by the kings of Israel, and chiefly by hailstones from heaven, Jos 10:10,11; and of the standing still of the sun, and of the moon, while vengeance was taken on them, Jos 10:12-14; and of the five kings being hid in a cave, and of the usage of them when taken, Jos 10:15-27; and of the taking of Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, Jos 10:28-39; which finished the conquest of the southern part of the land, Jos 10:40-43.