Joshua 10:18

Study note

Setting — Joshua issues a direct command to his troops immediately after being informed that the five allied kings are hiding in the cave at Makkedah. He acts to secure the location before continuing the pursuit of the retreating armies.

The words — The Hebrew verb גֹּלּוּ (Go.lu) means "roll," paired with אֲבָנִים גְּדֹלֹת ('a.va.Nim ge.do.Lot) for "large stones." These terms specify the physical action of blocking the cave entrance to prevent escape.

The thread — The narrative later records Joshua ordering the same cave opened to retrieve the five kings (Joshua 10:22). This sealing motif parallels the Roman guards posted at Jesus’ tomb to secure it (Matthew 27:66).

Why it lands — The command demands immediate physical action to secure a captured position before pursuing further objectives. It requires a reader to recognize that securing the present victory is a prerequisite to continuing the campaign.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.