15. Joshua and the Israelite army fled toward the wilderness as though they were badly beaten.
16. Then all the men in the town were called out to chase after them. In this way, they were lured away from the town.
17. There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who did not chase after the Israelites, and the town was left wide open.
18. Then the lord said to Joshua, “Point the spear in your hand toward Ai, for I will hand the town over to you.” Joshua did as he was commanded.
19. As soon as Joshua gave this signal, all the men in ambush jumped up from their position and poured into the town. They quickly captured it and set it on fire.