Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

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.

John Trapp Complete Commentary

Joshua 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.

Peter Pett's Commentary on the 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.

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

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. (Haydock) --- 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 xxiii. 29,) and to instruct us that his children must suffer tribulation, to prevent the growth of vice. (Worthington)

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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: Joshua 8:23 - General;  Isaiah 24:22 - they shall;  Revelation 6:15 - hid