15. Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.
16. All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.
17. There was not a man left in Ai or Beth El who didn’t go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.
18. Yahweh said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city.