Joshua 10:16-27 ▼

16 And these five kings had fled and hidden themselves in a cave at Makkedah.

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

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

19 And you?, do not stay there; pursue after your? enemies and attack the rear of them. Do not allow them to enter into their cities, for YHWH your? God has delivered them into your? hands.”

20 And it came to pass that Joshua and the sons of Israel made an end of striking them with a very great slaughter, until they had finished, and the remnant of them escaped and entered into the fortified cities.

21 And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace. Not a man sharpened his tongue against the sons of Israel.

22 And Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out to me these five kings from the cave.”

23 And they did so, and they brought out to him these 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 And it was, when they brought out these kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and he said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, “Come near, put your? feet on the necks of these kings.” And they drew near and put their feet on their necks.

25 And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid nor be dismayed. Be strong and of good courage, for thus YHWH will do to all your? enemies against whom you? are fighting.”

26 And Joshua struck them after this and killed them, and he hanged them on five trees, and they were hanging on the trees until the evening.

27 And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun that Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees and cast them into the cave where they had been hidden, and they put large stones against the mouth of the cave, until this very day.