But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
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
And it was told Joshua,.... Either by some of his own people, or by some of the inhabitants of the land in his interest, who had observed it: saying, the five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah: this seems to make it appear that they were others, and not Joshua's soldiers, that found them; for had they, no doubt they would have...
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