This verse records how Joshua discovered the retreat of the five Amorite kings, confirming God’s faithfulness to defend His people and bringing Israel one step closer to securing the Promised Land.
Joshua was leading the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan around 1406-1399 BC. In the midst of several military campaigns, he received a critical report about an alliance of five Amorite kings who had waged war against Gibeon. Thus, the Scripture declares in the midst of the story, “It was told Joshua, saying, ‘The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah.’” (v.17). These five kings—all Amorites from the cities of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—were formidable adversaries who had allied together against Israel. Since the Amorites “appeared as a group that covered five major kingdoms” (Joshua 10:5), this discovery was decisive for Joshua and his people.
When the report came that they were hiding in Makkedah, a location southwest of Jerusalem, Joshua moved swiftly to secure the cave and prevent the kings’ escape. Makkedah was in the Shephelah region, an area of rolling hills near the coast, well-suited for agriculture and dotted with fortified Canaanite cities. The kings had retreated there after realizing their defeat was inevitable at Gibeon, hoping that a secluded cave might provide safety. However, just as God repeatedly assured the Israelites of victory in the Promised Land, the five Amorite rulers found no refuge beyond the reach of Joshua’s forces.
Joshua, who was Moses’ successor and led Israel by faith in God’s promises, is sometimes seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate conqueror (Hebrews 4:8-10). In the New Testament, scripture proclaims that God the Father “put all things in subjection under His [Jesus’] feet” (1 Corinthians 15:27), reminding believers that every earthly power is subject to God’s greater plan. Just as these kings could not hide from Joshua, so too nothing can thwart or hide from Christ’s ultimate authority, inviting us to place our trust in the Lord who triumphs over every foe.
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Joshua 10:17 meaning
Joshua was leading the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan around 1406-1399 BC. In the midst of several military campaigns, he received a critical report about an alliance of five Amorite kings who had waged war against Gibeon. Thus, the Scripture declares in the midst of the story, “It was told Joshua, saying, ‘The five kings have been found hidden in the cave at Makkedah.’” (v.17). These five kings—all Amorites from the cities of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—were formidable adversaries who had allied together against Israel. Since the Amorites “appeared as a group that covered five major kingdoms” (Joshua 10:5), this discovery was decisive for Joshua and his people.
When the report came that they were hiding in Makkedah, a location southwest of Jerusalem, Joshua moved swiftly to secure the cave and prevent the kings’ escape. Makkedah was in the Shephelah region, an area of rolling hills near the coast, well-suited for agriculture and dotted with fortified Canaanite cities. The kings had retreated there after realizing their defeat was inevitable at Gibeon, hoping that a secluded cave might provide safety. However, just as God repeatedly assured the Israelites of victory in the Promised Land, the five Amorite rulers found no refuge beyond the reach of Joshua’s forces.
Joshua, who was Moses’ successor and led Israel by faith in God’s promises, is sometimes seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate conqueror (Hebrews 4:8-10). In the New Testament, scripture proclaims that God the Father “put all things in subjection under His [Jesus’] feet” (1 Corinthians 15:27), reminding believers that every earthly power is subject to God’s greater plan. Just as these kings could not hide from Joshua, so too nothing can thwart or hide from Christ’s ultimate authority, inviting us to place our trust in the Lord who triumphs over every foe.