16. During the fight the five kings ran away. They hid in a cave near Makkedah.
17. But someone found them hiding in the cave and told Joshua.
18. So he said, “Cover the opening to the cave with large rocks. Put some men there to guard it.
19. But don’t stay there yourselves. Continue chasing the enemy. Continue attacking them from behind. Don’t let them get to their cities safely. The Lord your God has given you the victory over them.”
20. So Joshua and the Israelites killed the enemy. But a few were able to get back to their strong, walled cities.
21. After the fighting, Joshua’s men came back safely to him at Makkedah. No one was brave enough to say a word against the Israelites.