15. And Joshua returned, with all of Israel, into the camp of Gilgal.
16. For the five kings had fled, and had hidden themselves in a cave, near the city of Makkedah.
17. And it was reported to Joshua that the five kings had been found hidden in a cave, near the city of Makkedah.
18. And he instructed his companions and said: "Roll vast stones to the mouth of the cave, and station attentive men who will keep them closed.
19. But as for you, do not stay here; instead, pursue the enemies, and cut down the lattermost of those who are fleeing. You shall not permit those whom the Lord God has delivered into your hands to enter into the protection of their cities."
20. Thus, the adversaries were struck down in a great defeat, and having been nearly consumed, even to utter annihilation, those who were able to escape from Israel entered into fortified cities.
21. And the entire army returned to Joshua at Makkedah, where they were then encamped, in good health and in their full numbers. And no one dared to move his tongue against the sons of Israel.
22. And Joshua instructed, saying, "Open the mouth of the cave, and bring forward to me the five kings, who are hidden within it."
23. And the ministers did just as they had been ordered. And they led out to him the five kings from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon.
24. And when they had been led out to him, he called all the men of Israel, and he said to the leaders of the army who were with him, "Go, and place your feet upon the necks of these kings." And when they had gone and had tread their feet upon the necks of those who were thrown down,
25. he spoke to them again: "Do not be afraid, and do not dread. Be strengthened and be steadfast. For so will the Lord do to all your enemies, against whom you fight."
26. And Joshua struck them down and killed them, and he suspended them on five gallows. And they hung there until evening.
27. And when the sun had set, he instructed his assistants that they should take them down from the gallows. And having been taken down, they cast them into the cave, where they had lain hidden, and they set vast stones at its mouth, which remain, even to the present.
28. Also on the same day, Joshua seized Makkedah, and he struck it with the edge of the sword, and he put to death its king and all its inhabitants. He did not leave in it even the smallest remains. And he did to the king of Makkedah, just as he had done to the king of Jericho.
29. Then he went on, with all of Israel, from Makkedah to Libnah, and he fought against it.
30. And the Lord delivered it, with its king, into the hands of Israel. And they struck the city with the edge of the sword, and all its inhabitants. They did not leave in it any remains. And they did to the king of Libnah, just as they had done to the king of Jericho.
31. From Libnah, with all of Israel, he went on to Lachish. And taking positions around it with his army, he besieged it.