Joshua 10:18

18 So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post men there to guard them.

Joshua 10:18 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 10:18

And Joshua said, roll great stones upon the mouth of the
cave
To keep the kings in, that they might not make their escape, until he had convenient time to have them brought before him, and be treated by him as they deserved; and no doubt there were plenty of stones about the hill or mountain, in which this cave was, fit for this purpose:

and set men by it for to keep them;
as a guard upon them, to prevent their escape.

Joshua 10:18 In-Context

16 Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah.

17 And Joshua was informed: “The five kings have been found; they are hiding in the cave at Makkedah.”

18 So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post men there to guard them.

19 But you, do not stop there. Pursue your enemies and attack them from behind. Do not let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.”

20 So Joshua and the Israelites continued to inflict a terrible slaughter until they had finished them off, and the remaining survivors retreated to the fortified cities.