Joshua 10:18

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

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 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.