Joshua 10:16-26

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."

20 After Y'hoshua and the people of Isra'el had finished killing them off in a very great slaughter, till they had been destroyed, and the remaining remnant had entered the fortified cities,

21 all the people returned safely to Y'hoshua at the camp in Makkedah; and no one said a word against any of the people of Isra'el.

22 Then Y'hoshua said, "Open up the mouth of the cave, and bring those five kings out of the cave to me.

23 They did it; they brought the five kings out to him - the kings of Yerushalayim, Hevron, Yarmut, Lakhish and 'Eglon.

24 After they had brought the five kings to Y'hoshua, he summoned all the men of Isra'el and said to the commanders of the soldiers who had gone with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." They came and put their feet on their necks.

25 Y'hoshua said to them, "Don't be afraid or confused, but be strong and bold, because this is what ADONAI will do to all your enemies that you fight against."

26 With that, Y'hoshua struck them and put them to death, hanging them on five trees, where they remained hanging until evening.

Joshua 10:16-26 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.