Joshua was told, saying, “The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 17. City, or territory. Calmet.—The kings had sought their own safety in flight, leaving their people to make their escape as well as they could. But their cowardly behaviour only brought upon them a more dishonourable death. Josue and some of the forces stopped in the environs of Maceda, while the rest pursued after the fugitives, and slew all that had not strength to enter the fenced cities. Bible.—Then all the army assembled round their leader, took Maceda, and completed the victory of that most memorable day, by the ignominious death of the five kings. Calmet.—God permitted some to escape, lest the land should be overrun with wild beasts; (Exodus 23:29,) and to instruct us that his children must suffer tribulation, to prevent the growth of vice. Worthington.