Joshua 10:17

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Joshua 10:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.
Joshua 10:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Joshua 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it was told Joshua, etc.] 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.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“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. Joshua 10:18”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification