Joshua 10:18

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.

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 battle the five kings escaped and hid in a cave at Makkedah.

17 When Joshua heard that they had been found,

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.

19 The rest of you continue chasing the enemy and cut them down from the rear. Don’t give them a chance to get back to their towns, for the LORD your God has given you victory over them.”

20 So Joshua and the Israelite army continued the slaughter and completely crushed the enemy. They totally wiped out the five armies except for a tiny remnant that managed to reach their fortified towns.