MPV Commentary

The Five Kings Hanged.

These five kings hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. The pursuit continued without interruption to this point, where Joshua likely halted with his main troops while sending a detachment to scour the surrounding area for any remaining stragglers who had escaped. A few of these fugitives managed to reach neighboring cities.

The final act was the disposal of the prisoners, including the five kings, who were put to death (Deuteronomy 20:16-17). Their bodies were then suspended on five trees until evening.