Joshua 8:17

And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

And there was not a man {H376} left {H7604} in Ai {H5857} or Bethel {H1008}, that went not out {H3318} after {H310} Israel {H3478}: and they left {H5800} the city {H5892} open {H6605}, and pursued {H7291} after Israel {H3478}.

Not a man was left in 'Ai or Beit-El who had not gone after Isra'el; pursuing Isra'el, they left the city wide open.

Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel, leaving the city wide open while they pursued Israel.

And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

Commentary

Context

Joshua 8:17 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Israel's second campaign against the city of Ai, following their initial, humiliating defeat due to Achan's sin (Joshua 7:5). After God's judgment on Achan and the restoration of His favor, the Lord provided Joshua with a detailed strategy for conquering Ai (Joshua 8:2). This strategy involved a feigned retreat by the main Israelite army, drawing the men of Ai and even the neighboring city of Bethel out from their walls. Verse 17 highlights the success of this tactical maneuver, describing how the pursuit was so complete that no one remained to guard the cities, leaving them vulnerable.

Key Themes

  • Divine Strategy and Wisdom: This verse showcases God's intricate planning and tactical genius in warfare. The feigned retreat was a divinely inspired ruse designed to lure the enemy into a trap, demonstrating that victory often comes through obedience to God's unconventional methods.
  • The Consequences of Deception: The inhabitants of Ai and Bethel were completely fooled by Israel's simulated flight. Their eagerness to pursue and avenge the previous defeat led them to abandon their fortified positions, ultimately sealing their doom. This serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of spiritual complacency or misjudgment.
  • Total Victory and Annihilation: The phrase "not a man left in Ai or Bethel, that went not out after Israel" emphasizes the complete emptying of the cities. This ensured that the ambush force could enter unopposed, leading to a decisive and overwhelming victory as commanded by God for the conquest of Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The names of the cities themselves carry significance. Ai (Hebrew: ืขึทื™, 'Ay) means "the ruin" or "heap of ruins," a name that would prove prophetically true for the city. Bethel (Hebrew: ื‘ึตึผื™ืชึพืึตืœ, Beyth-'El) means "house of God," which is ironic given its involvement in opposing God's people and its subsequent destruction. Their combined pursuit signifies a widespread commitment to stopping Israel, which ultimately played into Israel's hands.

Practical Application

Joshua 8:17 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Patience and Trust After Failure: Even after a significant setback (the first defeat at Ai), Israel's renewed obedience and trust in God's new strategy led to ultimate success. This encourages believers to persevere and seek God's guidance even after experiencing failure.
  • Beware of Spiritual Deception: Just as Ai and Bethel were deceived by a military ruse, believers must be vigilant against spiritual deceptions that can draw them away from their protective "walls" of faith and truth. Paul warns believers to be aware of the schemes of the devil.
  • God's Sovereignty in Our Battles: The detailed planning of the Ai conquest shows God's active involvement in the lives and battles of His people. We can trust that God has a perfect plan for our challenges, even when it involves unconventional methods or temporary retreats.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 8:3 (2 votes)

    ยถ So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night.

  • Job 5:13 (2 votes)

    He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

  • Deuteronomy 2:30 (2 votes)

    But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

  • Isaiah 19:11 (2 votes)

    Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

  • Isaiah 19:13 (2 votes)

    The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, [even they that are] the stay of the tribes thereof.

  • Joshua 8:24 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.

  • Joshua 8:25 (2 votes)

    And [so] it was, [that] all that fell that day, both of men and women, [were] twelve thousand, [even] all the men of Ai.