15. Joshua and the main body of the Israelites fled toward the wilderness, pretending defeat,
16. until the last of the soldiers in the city had been called out to pursue them. Since they were drawn away from the city, with everyone pursuing Joshua,
17. not a soldier remained in Ai or Bethel. They abandoned the city, leaving it open, as they pursued Israel.
18. Then the Lord directed Joshua: Stretch out the javelin in your hand toward Ai, for I will deliver it into your power. Joshua stretched out the javelin in his hand toward the city,
19. and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose from their post, rushed in, captured the city, and immediately set it on fire.