And they did so, and brought those five kings out to him from the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.
The five kings looked formidable when they marched out, but hailstones scattered them utterly. Yet Joshua knew his work was not finished; victory must be pursued, not merely won. A prudent general completes his conquests before he triumphs over captives.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 10:15-27
Joshua called his captains to put their feet on the necks of these kings not from pride, but to mortify them as punishment for idolatry, tyranny, and cruelty, and to terrify the remaining Canaanite kings. This act fulfilled God's own promises of subjection over Israel's enemies.
AI summary
The pursuit drove hard to Makkedah without stopping. Joshua halted the main force there while detachments hunted down the rest, but some few reached their cities. The next day he finished it: the five kings were put to death as the Law demanded, their bodies hung on trees until evening.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 10:16-27