Joshua 10:16-27

Modern English Version

The Execution of Five Amorite Kings

¹⁶ Yet these five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah. ¹⁷ Joshua was told, “The five kings have been found hiding themselves in the cave at Makkedah.” ¹⁸ So Joshua said, “Roll large stones over the mouth of the cave, and station men to stand guard over it. ¹⁹ As for you, do not stop pursuing your enemies, but attack them from behind. Do not let them go back to their cities, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand.”

²⁰ When Joshua and the children of Israel had finished striking them with overwhelming force until they were completely defeated, the survivors escaped from them and went back to their fortified cities. ²¹ Then all the people returned safely to Joshua at the Makkedah settlement, and no one spoke against any of the children of Israel.

²² Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out to me those five kings from the cave.” ²³ They did this, and they brought out those five kings from the cave: the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. ²⁴ When they brought out those five kings to Joshua, he called out to all the men of Israel and the army commanders, “Come here and place your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came near and placed their feet on their necks.

²⁵ Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed. Be strong and courageous! For this is what the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” ²⁶ After that, Joshua struck them down, killed them, and hung them on five trees. They were hanging on the trees until evening.

²⁷ At sundown Joshua commanded men to take them down from the trees and throw them into the cave in which they had hidden themselves. Over the mouth of the cave he placed large stones, which remain to this day.