16. The five Amorite kings ran away and hid in the cave at Makkedah.
17. Joshua was told, “The five kings have been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah.”
18. Joshua said, “Roll large stones over the mouth of the cave and post guards in front of it.
19. But don’t you delay! Chase your enemies and catch them! Don’t allow them to retreat to their cities, for the Lord your God is handing them over to you.”
20. Joshua and the Israelites almost totally wiped them out, but some survivors did escape to the fortified cities.
21. Then the whole army safely returned to Joshua at the camp in Makkedah. No one dared threaten the Israelites.
22. Joshua said, “Open the cave’s mouth and bring the five kings out of the cave to me.”