Definition: And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Joshua 10:17. It's a pretty significant part of the story of the Israelites’ defeat of the Philistines. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Joshua was told by the prophet Samuel that five powerful kings were hiding somewhere in Makkedah. Let’s unpack that a little further: Joshua: This refers to Joshua, the leader of the Israelites during the time they conquered the land of Canaan. “Said” : This is important – it's a command or message. "The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah." : This means that Joshua was told that there were five distinct and powerful rulers (kings) who were secretly located within a cave near the town of Makkedah, which was a significant strategic location. What’s the significance? This is a key piece of information in the story of the Battle of Makkedah. It indicates that the Philistines had been significantly weakened and that the Israelites were able to defeat them due to a combination of factors – perhaps because they knew where these kings were hiding. In short, it's a statement about a secret alliance or power that helped the Israelites win a major victory. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme in the story of Joshua and the Philistines?