Joshua 10:18

18 And he commanded them that were with him, saying: Roll great stones to the mouth of the cave, and set careful men to keep them shut up:

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 For the five kings were fled, and had hid themselves in a cave of the city of Maceda.

17 And it was told Josue, that the five kings were found hid in a cave of the city of Maceda.

18 And he commanded them that were with him, saying: Roll great stones to the mouth of the cave, and set careful men to keep them shut up:

19 And stay you not, but pursue after the enemies, and kill all the hindermost of them as they flee, and do not suffer them whom the Lord God hath delivered into your hands, to shelter themselves in their cities.

20 So the enemies being slain with a great slaughter, and almost utterly consumed, they that were able to escape from Israel, entered into fenced cities.