Joshua 10:17

17 And it was told Joshua, "The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah."

Joshua 10:17 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 10:17

And it was told Joshua
Either by some of his own people, or by some of the inhabitants of the land in his interest, who had observed it:

saying, the five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah:
this seems to make it appear that they were others, and not Joshua's soldiers, that found them; for had they, no doubt they would have seized them, and brought them before him, or slain them, unless they chose first to know his will concerning them, next expressed.

Joshua 10:17 In-Context

15 Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.

16 Meanwhile, these five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.

17 And it was told Joshua, "The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah."

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

19 but do not stay there yourselves; pursue your enemies, and attack them from the rear. Do not let them enter their towns, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand."