Yehoshua 10:16

16 But these five melachim fled, and hid themselves in a me’arah (cave) at Makkedah.

Yehoshua 10:16 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 10:16

But these five kings fled
They were not killed by hailstones, nor slain by the sword of the Israelites, but made their escape, being reserved by the providence of God for a more shameful end:

and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah;
not in the city of Makkedah, which as yet was not in the hands of Israel, whereas this cave was, as appears by what follows; but it was in some hill, or mountain, near it; in the border of it, as Kimchi expresses it, and where a hill is shown to this day in which it was, as Drusius says.

Yehoshua 10:16 In-Context

14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that Hashem paid heed unto the voice of an ish; for Hashem fought for Yisroel.

15 And Yehoshua returned, and kol Yisroel with him, unto the machaneh at Gilgal.

16 But these five melachim fled, and hid themselves in a me’arah (cave) at Makkedah.

17 And it was told Yehoshua, saying, The five melachim are found hiding in a me’arah at Makkedah.

18 And Yehoshua said, Roll avanim gedolot upon the mouth of the me’arah, and post anashim by it to be shomer over them;