Joshua 10:16-27

16The five kings had run away from the Israelite soldiers. They had hidden in a cave at Makkedah.

17Joshua heard that they were hiding there.

18He said to his men, ‘Take some big stones and cover the front of the cave. Put some men there to watch the cave.

19But you must continue to chase after your enemies. Do not stop now! Catch them! Do not let them reach their cities where they will be safe. Remember that the Lord your God has caused you to win against them.’

20So Joshua and the Israelites destroyed nearly all the Amorite armies. But a few of the Amorites escaped and they reached their strong cities.

21Then the whole Israelite army returned to Joshua at Makkedah. All the people in the land were too afraid to speak against the Israelites.

22Then Joshua said to his men, ‘Take away the stones to open the cave where the five kings are. Bring them out here to me.’

23So they brought the five kings to Joshua. They were the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Eglon.

24When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he called the men of Israel to meet there. He said to the officers of his army, ‘Put your feet on the necks of these kings.’ They did as he told them.

25Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Be very strong and brave. Look at these kings! This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies that you will fight against.’

26Then Joshua killed the five kings with his sword. He hung their bodies on five trees. They remained there until evening time.

27At sunset, Joshua told his men to take the kings down from the trees. They threw them into the cave where they had been hiding. They put big stones over the front of the cave. The stones are still there today.