Joshua 10:16-26

16 Meanwhile the five kings had hidden in the cave at Makkedah.

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

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

19 But don't you hang around - go after your enemies. Cut off their retreat. Don't let them back into their cities. God has given them to you."

20 Joshua and the People of Israel then finished them off, total devastation. Only a few got away to the fortified towns.

21 The whole army then returned intact to the camp and to Joshua at Makkedah. There was no criticism that day from the People of Israel!

22 Then Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave and bring me those five kings."

23 They did it. They brought him the five kings from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.

24 When they had them all there in front of Joshua, he called up the army and told the field commanders who had been with him, "Come here. Put your feet on the necks of these kings." They stepped up and put their feet on their necks.

25 Joshua told them, "Don't hold back. Don't be timid. Be strong! Be confident! This is what God will do to all your enemies when you fight them."

26 Then Joshua struck and killed the kings. He hung them on five trees where they remained until evening.

Joshua 10:16-26 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA 10

This chapter treats of the combination of five kings against the Gibeonites, Jos 10:1-5; and of the application of the Gibeonites to Joshua, for assistance, in virtue of the league between them, which was granted, Jos 10:6-9; of the slaughter of the army by the kings of Israel, and chiefly by hailstones from heaven, Jos 10:10,11; and of the standing still of the sun, and of the moon, while vengeance was taken on them, Jos 10:12-14; and of the five kings being hid in a cave, and of the usage of them when taken, Jos 10:15-27; and of the taking of Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, Jos 10:28-39; which finished the conquest of the southern part of the land, Jos 10:40-43.