The premature report of the Israelites’ return to Gilgal in 10:15 is most likely in anticipation of their eventual return in 10:43. For it is clear from 10:16–42 that after their initial victory, the Israelites do some follow-up pursuit and engage in further fighting, returning to Gilgal only after the entire southern campaign comes to a successful end.

The five enemy kings are among those who manage to flee south to Makkedah, and once there, they hide themselves in a cave (10:16). When Joshua is told where the kings are hiding, he gives orders for large stones to be rolled over the mouth of the cave and for guards to be stationed to prevent them from escaping. The Israelites then pursue the rest of the enemy troops. After annihilating most of them, they return to their interim camp in M…