And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid 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 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...
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