Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joshua 10:17
And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.
17. in a cave ] “lurkinge in the spelunk,” Wyclif; in one of the numerous limestone caves, with which the district abounds, though the article here, both in the Hebrew and the LXX., seems to intimate that it was a well-known cave, overshadowed probably by a grove of trees (comp. Jos 10:26). Many such caves, large and dry, and often branching out into chambers, are found in the lime and chalk rocks of Palestine. Comp. (i) the cave in which Lot dwelt after the destruction of Sodom (Gen 19:30); (ii) the cave at Rimmon (Jdg 20:47), which could contain six hundred men in its spacious recess; (iii) David’s cave of Adullam, where he concealed “his brethren, and all his father’s house” (1Sa 22:1); (iv) the cave of Engedi, which Saul entered, and in the sides of which “David and his men remained” (1Sa 24:3); (v) Obadiah’s cave, in which he concealed “an hundred prophets” (1Ki 18:4). “The caves of Syria and Palestine are still used, either occasionally or permanently, as habitations. The shepherds near Hebron leave their villages in the summer to dwell in caves and ruins, in order to be nearer to their flocks and fields. Almost all the habitations at Om-keis, Gadara, are caves.” See Smith’s Bible Dict. Art. Caves.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And it was told Joshua,…. Either by some of his own people, or by some of the inhabitants of the land in his interest, who had observed it:
saying, the five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah: this seems to make it appear that they were others, and not Joshua’s soldiers, that found them; for had they, no doubt they would have seized them, and brought them before him, or slain them, unless they chose first to know his will concerning them, next expressed.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
‘ And it was told Joshua saying, “The five kings are found hidden in the cave at Makkedah.”
Capturing the kings would be looked on by the captors as a real coup. They may even have felt that now the pursuit could be relaxed while they concentrated on entering the caves, dealing with any guards, and apprehending the kings. Messengers were immediately sent to Joshua. But Joshua was a wise general and knew that what was most important was to reduce as much as possible the manpower of the Canaanite cities which had taken part in the attack.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Jos 10:17 And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.
Ver. 17. In a cave at Makkedah. ] In the confines and country adjacent, and belonging to this city.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
This information brought to Joshua, is an evidence that there were those of the country, who knew the holes and fastnesses of it, that were in his interests. And the care Joshua took to secure them there, as it is an instance of his policy and presence of mind, even in the heat of action; so, in the success of their project, it shews how they who think to hide themselves from God, not only deceive, but destroy themselves. Their refuge of lies will but bind them over to God’s judgment.
Reciprocal: Jos 8:23 – General Isa 24:22 – they shall Rev 6:15 – hid