16 Those five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave of Makkedah. 17 And it was told Joshua, The five kings are hidden in the cave at Makkedah. 18 Joshua said, Roll great stones to the cave's mouth, and set men to guard them. 19 But do not stay. Pursue your enemies and fall upon their rear; do not allow them to enter their cities, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand. 20 When Joshua and the Israelites had ended slaying them until they were wiped out and the remnant remaining of them had entered into fortified cities, 21 All the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace; none moved his tongue against any of the Israelites.
22 Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave and bring out those five kings to me from the cave. 23 They brought the five kings out of the cave to him--the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. 24 When they brought out those kings to Joshua, [he] called for all the Israelites and told the commanders of the men of war who went with him, Come, put your feet on the necks of these kings. And they came and put their feet on the [kings'] necks. 25 Joshua said to them, Fear not nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage. For thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom you fight. 26 Afterward Joshua smote and slew them and hanged their bodies on five trees, and they hung on the trees until evening. 27 At sunset Joshua ordered and they took the bodies down from the trees and cast them into the cave where the kings had hidden and laid great stones on the cave's mouth, which remain to this very day.
28 Joshua took Makkedah that day and smote it and its king with the sword and utterly destroyed everyone in it. He left none remaining. And he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho.