Joshua 10:16-27

16Now the five defeated kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah.

17It was reported to Joshua, “The five kings have been found; they are hiding in the cave at Makkedah.”

18Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and station men by it to guard the kings.

19But as for the rest of you, don’t stay there. Pursue your enemies and attack them from behind. Don’t let them enter their cities, for the Lord your God has handed them over to you.”

20So Joshua and the Israelites finished inflicting a terrible slaughter on them until they were destroyed, although a few survivors ran away to the fortified cities.

21The people returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. And no one dared to threaten the Israelites.

22Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave, and bring those five kings to me out of there.”

23That is what they did. They brought the five kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon to Joshua out of the cave.

24When they had brought the kings to him, Joshua summoned all the men of Israel and said to the military commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks.

25Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous, for the Lord will do this to all the enemies you fight.”

26After this, Joshua struck them down and executed them. He hung their bodies on five trees and they were there until evening.

27At sunset Joshua commanded that they be taken down from the trees and thrown into the cave where they had hidden. Then large stones were placed against the mouth of the cave, and the stones are still there today.