Joshua 10:18

18 he said, “Roll large rocks up to the mouth of the cave, and post some men there to guard it.

Joshua 10:18 in Other Translations

18 And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:

18 And Joshua said, "Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave and set men by it to guard them,

18 he issued this command: “Cover the opening of the cave with large rocks, and place guards at the entrance to keep the kings inside.

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

18 Joshua said, "Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and station men by it to guard the kings.

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 When Joshua was told that the five kings had been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah,

18 he said, “Roll large rocks up to the mouth of the cave, and post some men there to guard it.

19 But don’t stop; pursue your enemies! Attack them from the rear and don’t let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God has given them into your hand.”

20 So Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely, but a few survivors managed to reach their fortified cities.