Joshua 10:17 - Joshua was told, saying, “The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.”

Generated Verse: Joshua 10:17

What does "Joshua 10:17" mean?


Joshua 10:17 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context:

The Context: Joshua is leading the Israelites in a series of battles to conquer Canaan. In Joshua 10, he defeats an alliance of five Amorite kings (Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon) who attack Gibeon because the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel. God intervenes, causing confusion and panic among the Amorite forces and even sending down large hailstones that kill more of them than the Israelite sword.

Fleeing Kings: As the Amorite armies are routed, the five kings flee for their lives, seeking refuge.

Makkedah: Makkedah was a town in the Shephelah, a region of low hills between the central mountains and the coastal plain.

The Verse's Meaning: Joshua 10:17 is a report from someone (likely scouts or messengers) informing Joshua that the five fleeing kings have been located. They are hiding in a cave near the town of Makkedah.

Significance:

Turning Point: This verse marks a critical juncture in the battle. Knowing the kings' location allows Joshua to trap and deal with them decisively.
Leadership: It highlights Joshua's effective leadership and his reliance on information to direct his strategies. He doesn't just blindly pursue; he seeks intelligence.
Divine Providence: The fact that the kings are found relatively quickly could be interpreted as an indication of God's continued support for Joshua and the Israelites. It reinforces the idea that God is orchestrating events to help them succeed.

In summary, Joshua 10:17 is a simple statement of fact, but it has significant implications for the story. It tells Joshua where his primary adversaries are hiding, allowing him to capture and defeat them, solidifying the Israelite victory and furthering their conquest of Canaan.

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