Joshua 10:23

KJV

And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, [and] the king of Eglon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they did {H6213} so, and brought forth {H3318} those five {H2568} kings {H4428} unto him out of the cave {H4631}, the king {H4428} of Jerusalem {H3389}, the king {H4428} of Hebron {H2275}, the king {H4428} of Jarmuth {H3412}, the king {H4428} of Lachish {H3923}, and the king {H4428} of Eglon {H5700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They did it; they brought the five kings out to him - the kings of Yerushalayim, Hevron, Yarmut, Lakhish and 'Eglon.

Berean Standard Bible

So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon.

American Standard Version

And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:23 details the pivotal moment when five prominent Amorite kings, leaders of a confederacy defeated by Israel, were brought out of their hiding place in a cave at Makkedah to face Joshua. This verse marks the culmination of Israel's decisive victory in the southern campaign, signifying the definitive subjugation of powerful Canaanite strongholds and underscoring the unfolding of divine judgment and the faithful fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:23 is strategically placed at the climax of the southern campaign, immediately following the miraculous and decisive victory at Gibeon. The narrative begins with the formation of a formidable Amorite confederacy, led by Adoni-Zedek of Jerusalem, in response to Gibeon's peace treaty with Israel, as detailed in [Joshua 10:1-5](/joshua/10-1-5 "Joshua 10:1-5 - The Amorite Confederacy Against Gibeon"). Joshua's swift and divinely-empowered response, which included the unprecedented lengthening of daylight and a devastating hailstorm described in [Joshua 10:10-14](/joshua/10-10-14 "Joshua 10:10-14 - God's Miraculous Aid at Gibeon"), led to a rout of the Amorite forces. The five kings, having fled the battle, sought desperate refuge in a cave at Makkedah, a fact revealed in [Joshua 10:16](/joshua/10-16 "Joshua 10:16 - The Kings Hide in a Cave"). Joshua's strategic command to seal the cave and continue the pursuit of the fleeing enemy, found in [Joshua 10:18-19](/joshua/10-18-19 "Joshua 10:18-19 - Joshua's Command to Seal the Cave and Pursue"), ensured the complete destruction of the Amorite army. Verse 23 thus serves as the dramatic culmination of this pursuit, bringing the captured leaders of the opposition directly before Joshua for judgment, setting the stage for their public execution and the subsequent capture of their cities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Canaan, was structured around independent city-states, each governed by a local king who held significant political, military, and religious authority. These city-states were often fortified and strategically positioned to control vital trade routes or fertile lands. Alliances, such as the one formed by these five Amorite kings, were common defensive mechanisms against perceived threats. The Amorites, a prominent Semitic people group, are frequently depicted in biblical texts as inhabitants of Canaan whose moral and religious depravity had reached a point warranting divine judgment, as indicated in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). The practice of kings leading their armies into battle and the subsequent treatment of captured enemy leaders—often involving public humiliation, execution, and display of their bodies—was a standard, brutal aspect of ancient warfare, intended to serve as a powerful deterrent and a clear demonstration of absolute victory. The specific cities mentioned—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—were not minor settlements but significant strongholds in the southern highlands and the Shephelah (foothills) of Canaan. Their defeat was paramount for Israel's secure establishment and control over the Promised Land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as God actively orchestrates the defeat and capture of these wicked Canaanite kings, fulfilling His long-standing promise to dispossess the inhabitants of the land due to their profound idolatry and moral corruption. It profoundly underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly the land promise made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of the Land to Abraham"), demonstrating that He is actively working to establish Israel in their inheritance. The narrative also highlights **Joshua's Obedient and Effective Leadership**, portraying him as a faithful successor to Moses, meticulously executing God's commands and ensuring the complete and decisive victory. Finally, it vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Resistance to God's Will**, showing that even the most formidable human opposition is ultimately futile against the divine plan, leading inevitably to defeat, exposure, and accountability before the sovereign God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This verb (H3318) signifies "to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim." In the context of Joshua 10:23, it denotes the forceful act of leading the kings out of their hiding place, the cave. This was not a voluntary surrender but a deliberate, compelled extraction, emphasizing their capture and the complete control Israel had over them. The action is a direct fulfillment of Joshua's earlier command in [Joshua 10:18](/joshua/10-18 "Joshua 10:18 - Joshua's Command to Bring Them Out"), underscoring the precision and effectiveness of the Israelite operation.
* **five (Hebrew, _châmêsh'_):** This primitive numeral (H2568) specifies the exact number of kings captured. The detail of "five" underscores the significance of this event, as it represents the core leadership of the Amorite confederacy that had dared to challenge Israel. Their collective capture symbolizes the decapitation of the enemy's power structure and the impending fall of their respective city-states.
* **kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This term (H4428) refers to a "king" or "royal" ruler. The repeated mention of "the king of" for each city emphasizes their status as sovereign rulers of significant city-states, not mere chieftains. Their capture is therefore not just a military success but a strategic victory that dismantled the political and military leadership of the Amorite opposition, paving the way for Israel's territorial claims.
* **cave (Hebrew, _mᵉʻârâh'_):** This noun (H4631) denotes a "cavern (as dark), cave, den, hole." The cave at Makkedah served as a desperate, temporary refuge for the fleeing kings. Its mention highlights the kings' abject fear and the completeness of their defeat, reduced from powerful rulers to fugitives seeking shelter in the earth. It symbolizes the futility of human attempts to hide from divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they did so":** This opening phrase immediately conveys the prompt and precise obedience of the Israelite forces to Joshua's command, previously given in [Joshua 10:18](/joshua/10-18 "Joshua 10:18 - Joshua's Command to Seal the Cave"). It highlights the discipline and effectiveness of the army in executing their leader's instructions, ensuring that no enemy leaders escaped the net of divine judgment.
* **"and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave":** This central clause describes the decisive action of the verse: the physical removal of the captured kings from their hiding place. The phrase "unto him" is crucial, signifying that the kings were brought directly before Joshua, who served as the instrument of God's authority and judgment. The cave, which had offered fleeting concealment, now became the site of their exposure and impending doom, a symbol of their utter defeat.
* **"the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, [and] the king of Eglon":** This detailed enumeration of the five kings and their respective city-states is highly significant. It explicitly identifies the specific leaders of the Amorite confederacy that had initiated hostilities against Gibeon and subsequently suffered a crushing defeat by Israel. These were not minor figures but rulers of strategically important Canaanite strongholds. Their individual naming underscores the completeness of the victory and the precise nature of God's judgment falling upon these particular centers of resistance. The cities themselves—Jerusalem, Hebron, Lachish, and Eglon—would soon become primary targets for Israel's ongoing conquest, with Jarmuth also being a key city.

#### Literary Devices
The seemingly straightforward historical report in Joshua 10:23 is subtly enriched by several literary devices. The **Enumeration** of the five kings and their specific cities (Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, Eglon) serves to underscore the precise and significant nature of the victory. It is not a generic defeat but the capture of the very leaders who had spearheaded the opposition, thereby highlighting the completeness of God's judgment and the strategic importance of this event. A powerful **Contrast** is drawn between the kings' former positions of power and authority and their current abject state as cowering fugitives, discovered and brought forth from a cave. This stark reversal of fortune vividly illustrates the dramatic shift in power orchestrated by divine intervention. The "cave" itself functions as a potent **Symbol** of their desperate and ultimately futile attempt to escape divine judgment, representing a temporary and permeable refuge against an inevitable fate. Finally, the opening phrase, "And they did so," exemplifies **Conciseness** and **Efficiency** in narrative, quickly affirming the Israelites' immediate obedience and moving the plot forward without unnecessary elaboration, thereby focusing the reader's attention on the dramatic revelation of the captured kings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:23 stands as a profound testament to God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, particularly in fulfilling His covenant promises and executing His righteous judgment. The capture of these five kings is far more than a mere military triumph; it is a divine act of dispossessing the wicked inhabitants of Canaan, whose "iniquity was not yet complete" in Abraham's time but had now reached its full measure, warranting their removal from the land as stated in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). This event powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering faithfulness to His people, Israel, in establishing them in the Promised Land. It foreshadows the broader biblical theme of God's ultimate triumph over all opposition, where even the most formidable human powers are brought low before His divine will. The capture of these kings, who had defied God's chosen people and resisted His purposes, illustrates that no one can ultimately escape divine accountability or thwart the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-2](/deuteronomy/7-1-2 "Deuteronomy 7:1-2 - Command to Destroy the Nations")
* [Psalm 2:4-5](/psalm/2-4-5 "Psalm 2:4-5 - God Laughs at Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 10:23 describes a specific historical event of military conquest, its underlying theological principles offer profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively sovereign over all earthly powers and that His divine purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of the strength, alliances, or perceived invincibility of human opposition. This truth should instill in us a deep and abiding trust in God's omnipotence and His ability to overcome any obstacle, whether in our personal lives or in the broader advance of His kingdom. Just as these defiant kings faced an inescapable judgment for their resistance, the Bible assures us of a coming day of accountability for all humanity, where every deed will be brought into judgment. This sobering truth should motivate us to live lives of righteousness, humility, and unwavering obedience to God's revealed will, seeking to align ourselves with His purposes rather than futilely resisting them. Furthermore, the immediate and precise obedience of the Israelite army in bringing forth the kings highlights the importance of faithfulness and diligence in carrying out God's directives, even when the task seems daunting or the enemy appears formidable. Our trust in God's promises should empower us to act decisively in faith, knowing that He will bring His plans to fruition and grant ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the capture of these kings deepen your understanding of God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their leaders, even in times of chaos or perceived human control?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or aspects of society might you be tempted to resist God's will, and what can you learn from the fate of these kings about the futility and danger of such resistance?**
* **How does God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Israel strengthen your faith and confidence in His promises for your own life and the future of His church?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific five kings targeted?**

Answer: These five kings—of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—were targeted because they formed a powerful Amorite confederacy that directly attacked Gibeon, a city that had recently made a peace treaty with Israel, as detailed in [Joshua 10:1-5](/joshua/10-1-5 "Joshua 10:1-5 - The Amorite Confederacy Against Gibeon"). Their aggressive action against Gibeon was an indirect act of war against Israel, prompting Joshua's swift and decisive military response. Their defeat was crucial for breaking the back of Canaanite resistance in the southern region and paving the way for Israel's secure occupation of the Promised Land, fulfilling God's command to dispossess the wicked inhabitants.

**What was the significance of the cave at Makkedah?**

Answer: The cave at Makkedah served as a temporary and ultimately futile hiding place for the five Amorite kings after their devastating defeat in the battle of Gibeon, as described in [Joshua 10:16](/joshua/10-16 "Joshua 10:16 - The Kings Hide in a Cave"). Its significance lies in its role as the site where these once-powerful rulers, who had held sway over major city-states, were reduced to desperate fugitives. Joshua's command to seal the cave and later to bring them out, found in [Joshua 10:18](/joshua/10-18 "Joshua 10:18 - Joshua's Command to Seal the Cave"), highlights the completeness of Israel's victory and the inescapable nature of divine judgment, even for those who attempt to flee or hide from its reach.

**How does this event relate to God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan?**

Answer: This event is a direct and powerful step in the fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan as their inheritance, first articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of the Land to Abraham"). The defeat and capture of these prominent Canaanite kings demonstrate God's active hand in dispossessing the current inhabitants of the land, whose "iniquity of the Amorites" had reached its full measure, as God foretold in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). It signifies that God is faithfully working out His covenant plan, clearing the way for Israel to inherit their promised possession and establish their nation in the land He had designated for them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:23, while detailing a specific historical conquest, profoundly anticipates the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ over all spiritual and cosmic opposition. Just as these five kings, representing the formidable powers of Canaan, were exposed and brought forth for judgment after their defeat, so too will every opposing force—sin, death, and the demonic powers—be utterly vanquished and exposed by the Lamb of God. The hiding of the kings in the cave, a desperate and futile attempt to escape judgment, mirrors the ultimate inability of humanity or spiritual adversaries to evade the righteous and inescapable judgment of Christ, who will one day judge the living and the dead, as affirmed in [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead"). Jesus, the true Joshua (Yeshua, meaning "the Lord saves"), leads His people not into a physical land through military conquest, but into an eternal kingdom through spiritual victory. His sacrificial death on the cross disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly, as revealed in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). The bringing forth of the kings foreshadows the glorious day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). Ultimately, this narrative points to Christ as the victorious King who secures the eternal inheritance for His people, not by destroying physical enemies, but by conquering the spiritual enemies that hold humanity captive, leading us into true freedom and eternal life in His heavenly kingdom, a rest greater than any earthly inheritance, as hinted in [Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8-9 "Hebrews 4:8-9 - The True Rest in Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 10:3

Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Joshua 10:5

Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it.

Joshua 10:1

¶ Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;