Matthew Henry on Joshua 10:15-27
It was a brave appearance, no doubt, which the five kings made when they took the field for the reducing of Gibeon, and a brave army they had following them; but they were all routed, put into disorder first, and then brought to destruction by the hail-stones. And now Joshua thought, his work being done, he might go with his army into quarters of refreshment. Accordingly it was resolved, perhaps in a council of war, that they should presently return to the camp at Gilgal (Jos 10:15), till they should receive orders from God to take possession of the country they had now conquered; but he soon finds he has more work cut out for him. The victory must be pursued, that the spoils might be divide…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 10:24
put your feet upon the necks of these kings--not as a barbarous insult, but a symbolical action, expressive of a complete victory (Deu 33:29; Psa 110:5; Mal 4:3).
Adam Clarke on Joshua 10:26
Smote - slew - and hanged them on five trees - Hanging alive seems a barbarous custom: among the Hebrews, criminals were first deprived of life; this was the debt required by justice: then they were hanged up, perhaps generally by the hands, not by the neck; this was done by way of example, to deter others from committing the crimes for which those had suffered: but they were never permitted to hang thus exposed all night, as this could have answered no purpose, either of justice or example, as they could not be seen in the night-season. One day also was deemed enough for their exposure, it being thought sufficient to show the public that justice had been executed; and to have exhibited them…
Read the whole note in the consoleJohn Gill on Joshua 10:26
And afterwards Joshua smote them and slew them,.... With the sword; either by his own hands, or by others whom he ordered to slay them:
and hanged them on five trees; to their shame and disgrace, and the terror of others:
and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening; by way of contempt of them, and as a spectacle of terror to others, especially to the inhabitants of Makkedah, and their king they were now besieging.
