Joshua 10:16-27

16The five Amorite kings ran away and hid in the cave at Makkedah.

17Joshua was told, “The five kings have been found hiding in the cave at Makkedah.”

18Joshua said, “Roll large stones over the mouth of the cave and post guards in front of it.

19But 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.”

20Joshua and the Israelites almost totally wiped them out, but some survivors did escape to the fortified cities.

21Then the whole army safely returned to Joshua at the camp in Makkedah. No one dared threaten the Israelites.

22Joshua said, “Open the cave’s mouth and bring the five kings out of the cave to me.”

23They did as ordered; they brought the five kings out of the cave to him – the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon.

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

25Then Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! Be strong and brave, for the Lord will do the same thing to all your enemies you fight.

26Then Joshua executed them and hung them on five trees. They were left hanging on the trees until evening.

27At sunset Joshua ordered his men to take them down from the trees. They threw them into the cave where they had hidden and piled large stones over the mouth of the cave. (They remain to this very day.)