King James Version

What Does Joshua 10:16 Mean?

Joshua 10:16 in the King James Version says “But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.”

Joshua 10:16 · KJV

Context

14

And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

15

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.

16

But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.

17

And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.

18

And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.

The phrase "five kings fled" (וַיָּנֻסוּ חֲמֵשֶׁת הַמְּלָכִים הָאֵלֶּה, vayanusu chameshet hamelachim ha'eleh) starkly contrasts their earlier coalition. They had united to attack Gibeon (v. 5); now they flee separately for their lives. The verb "fled" (נוּס, nus) appears repeatedly in this chapter (vv. 11, 16, 20), emphasizing the rout's completeness. Kings who led armies into battle now abandon their troops—a failure of leadership that sealed their forces' destruction.

The detail that they "hid themselves" (וַיֵּחָבְאוּ, vayechave'u) recalls Adam and Eve hiding from God after sin (Genesis 3:8, same Hebrew root חָבָא). The kings sought refuge in "a cave at Makkedah" (בַּמְּעָרָה בְּמַקֵּדָה, bame'arah beMaqqedah). Caves dotted the Shephelah limestone hills, providing natural shelters. Ironically, what seemed like refuge became their prison—a self-chosen tomb. This foreshadows how human attempts to escape divine judgment only entrench people more deeply in their doom (Amos 5:19; Revelation 6:15-17).

Makkedah's location (probably Khirbet el-Qom, southwest of Jerusalem) placed it in the path of the Amorite retreat toward their cities. The five kings—Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—represented the major city-states of southern Canaan. Their capture and execution would decapitate the southern coalition, enabling rapid conquest of the entire region (vv. 28-43). One day's battle would break centuries of Canaanite dominance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Caves in the Shephelah region were numerous, formed by water erosion in the soft limestone bedrock. Archaeological surveys have documented hundreds of caves in this area, ranging from small natural shelters to large cavern systems. Many served as burial caves, storage facilities, or emergency refuges during warfare. The Cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1) and Machpelah (Genesis 23) illustrate their importance in biblical history.

Makkedah was a Canaanite royal city later assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:41), located in the Shephelah lowlands that formed a buffer zone between the coastal plain (controlled by Philistines) and the Judean hill country. The region's strategic importance stemmed from controlling access routes between the coast and the interior. Modern identification with Khirbet el-Qom remains tentative but probable based on geographical and archaeological evidence.

Ancient warfare conventions regarding defeated kings varied. Some cultures showed mercy to royal captives for political advantage (creating vassal relationships); others executed them to eliminate future resistance. Joshua's treatment of these kings (vv. 26-27) followed the herem (חֵרֶם, devotion to destruction) principle, where Canaanite leadership faced total elimination to prevent covenant compromise (Deuteronomy 7:1-5; 20:16-18). This wasn't personal vengeance but covenantal obedience to divine command.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of kings hiding in a cave illustrate the futility of attempting to escape God's judgment through human strategies?
  2. What 'caves' do people today flee to—false refuges of money, pleasure, achievement, or religion—hoping to avoid facing God?
  3. How does this account challenge the modern tendency to view God as exclusively loving, ignoring His role as judge of the wicked?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיָּנֻ֕סוּ1 of 7

“fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת2 of 7

“But these five”

H2568

five

הַמְּלָכִ֣ים3 of 7

“kings”

H4428

a king

הָאֵ֑לֶּה4 of 7
H428

these or those

וַיֵּחָֽבְא֥וּ5 of 7

“and hid”

H2244

to secrete

בַמְּעָרָ֖ה6 of 7

“themselves in a cave”

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

בְּמַקֵּדָֽה׃7 of 7

“at Makkedah”

H4719

makkedah, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 10:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 2:19-22Psalms 139:7-10Isaiah 2:10-121 Samuel 24:8Isaiah 24:21-22Psalms 48:4-6

Places in This Verse

MakkedahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Qom · 31.53°N, 34.97°E8 verses across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 10 →

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