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Joshua 10:18

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Joshua 10:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Joshua said, Roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Joshua said, Roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them:
Joshua 10:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Joshua 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.
16And these five kings fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.
17And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.
18And Joshua said, Roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them:
19but stay not ye; pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for Jehovah your God hath delivered them into your hand.
20And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities,
21that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.
← Joshua 10:17Joshua 10:19 →
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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 Joshua said, roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, etc.] To keep the kings in, that they might not make their escape, until he had convenient time to have them brought before him, and be treated by him as they deserved; and no doubt there were plenty of stones about the hill or mountain, in which this cave was, fit for this purpose: and set men by it for to keep them; as a guard upon them, to prevent their escape.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:18-19 By blocking the opening of the cave, Joshua reduced the number of guards needed to keep the kings from escaping. This also eliminated danger to the guards and freed more men to pursue the fleeing people.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jos 10:22; Jdg 9:46-49; Job 21:30; Amo 5:19, Amo 9:1; Mat 27:66 Joshua 10:19”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification