Joshua 10:18

18 So he said, "Cover the opening of the cave with large rocks. Put some men there to guard it,

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 During the fight the five kings ran away and hid in a cave near Makkedah,

17 but someone found them hiding in the cave at Makkedah and told Joshua.

18 So he said, "Cover the opening of the cave with large rocks. Put some men there to guard it,

19 but don't stay there yourselves. Continue chasing the enemy and attacking them from behind. Don't let them get to their cities, because the Lord your God will hand them over to you."

20 So Joshua and the Israelites killed the enemy, but a few were able to get back to their strong, walled cities.