Rather than dealing with these kings immediately, he put them under guard so they were checked and ineffective. Meanwhile, he used his energies and forces to deal with the armies of these kings, more of an immediate problem before the troops could escape. Remember, the Book of Joshua is a handbook for spiritual warfare. All of these armies, enemies in the land of Canaan, picture in some way opposition that we face in spiritual warfare - the world, the flesh and the devil. Our battle with the sins of the flesh.
Some sins are more open and some are more hidden, like the kings in the cave.
Just as Joshua dealt with both the kings and the enemy troops, the faithful believer should be efficient in spiritual warfare. The sins in our lives and in the life of the church must be dealt with, both the open and hidden sins. Recall some of the sins that your church has had to deal with. Recall some of the sins that you have had to deal with in your own life. Consider some of the results of hidden sins, and discuss how you would deal with the hidden sins of pride, the love of money, selfishness, self-righteousness and evil thoughts.