They were five kings brought out of a cave to face defeat.
Joshua 10:23 occurs in the midst of a military conflict where Joshua, the leader of Israel around 1400 BC, commands his men to open a sealed cave where enemy rulers hid themselves. The text states, “They did so, and brought these five kings out to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon” (v.23). In the broader context, these kings had joined forces to resist the Israelites, who were gaining momentum in the conquest of Canaan. By listing the kings individually, the verse underscores both their importance and their failure to overcome the God-led army of Joshua.
These five cities—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—were in the southern region of Canaan. Jerusalem, an ancient settlement dating back to nearly 2000 BC, would later become the capital under King David (circa 1010-970 BC). Hebron was a historic city with ties to Abraham’s family (Genesis 13:18), while Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon were influential centers in the area that formed strategic alliances. The verse highlights how their joint opposition ended with them trapped in a cave, demonstrating that even coalitions of human strength cannot stand against the power of the LORD (Acts 5:39).
In being brought out of the cave, “these five kings” (v.23) serve as an example of what happens to earthly power standing in the path of God’s purposes. Their capture by Joshua points to the consistent theme of God’s supremacy, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who, through His triumph on the cross, displayed authority over earthly and spiritual realms (Colossians 2:15).
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Joshua 10:23 meaning
Joshua 10:23 occurs in the midst of a military conflict where Joshua, the leader of Israel around 1400 BC, commands his men to open a sealed cave where enemy rulers hid themselves. The text states, “They did so, and brought these five kings out to him from the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon” (v.23). In the broader context, these kings had joined forces to resist the Israelites, who were gaining momentum in the conquest of Canaan. By listing the kings individually, the verse underscores both their importance and their failure to overcome the God-led army of Joshua.
These five cities—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—were in the southern region of Canaan. Jerusalem, an ancient settlement dating back to nearly 2000 BC, would later become the capital under King David (circa 1010-970 BC). Hebron was a historic city with ties to Abraham’s family (Genesis 13:18), while Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon were influential centers in the area that formed strategic alliances. The verse highlights how their joint opposition ended with them trapped in a cave, demonstrating that even coalitions of human strength cannot stand against the power of the LORD (Acts 5:39).
In being brought out of the cave, “these five kings” (v.23) serve as an example of what happens to earthly power standing in the path of God’s purposes. Their capture by Joshua points to the consistent theme of God’s supremacy, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who, through His triumph on the cross, displayed authority over earthly and spiritual realms (Colossians 2:15).