Joshua 10:16-27

GOD’S WORD Translation

¹⁶ The five kings ran away and hid in the cave at Makkedah. ¹⁷ Someone told Joshua, “The five kings have been found. They are hiding in the cave at Makkedah.”

¹⁸ Joshua replied, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post a guard there. ¹⁹ But don’t stop. Chase your enemies! Cut off their rear guard. Don’t let them get back into their own cities, because the Lord your God has handed them over to you.”

²⁰ Joshua and the Israelites defeated them decisively, almost destroying them. But some who survived got back into the fortified cities. ²¹ Then the whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. Not a single person dared to speak against any of the Israelites.

²² Joshua said, “Open the cave, and bring me the five kings!” ²³ So they brought him the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon.

²⁴ When they brought them to Joshua, he called for all the men of Israel. He told the officers who had gone with him, “Come forward and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So that’s what they did. ²⁵ Joshua told them, “Don’t be afraid or terrified! Be strong and courageous, because this is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you’re fighting against.”

²⁶ After this, Joshua put them to death and hung their bodies on five poles until evening. ²⁷ When the sun went down, Joshua gave the order to take them down from the poles. Then they threw them into the cave where they had been hiding and put large stones over the mouth of the cave. These stones are still there today.