Joshua 8:17

“And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel that went not out after Israel, etc.] For as these two places were very near to each other, but a mile apart, they were in confederacy, and acted together, and could easily be called to the help of each other when required: though there is a difficulty how the men of Bethel could join those of Ai, when the ambush lay between them both, (<060812>Joshua 8:12); they either went another way, or the ambush purposely let them pass, for fear of a discovery by a skirmish with them, and that Bethel as well as Ai might be cleared of its armed inhabitants, and so fall an easy prey to them as well as Ai: this must be understood only of men of war; for…”

“Or Bethel - See the Joshua 8:1 note. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Not a man - Namely, fit for war. Bethel - Which, being a neighbouring city, and encouraged by the former success, had sent some forces to assist them; and now, upon notice sent to them of the flight of their common enemies, or upon some other signal given, all their men of war join with those of Ai in the pursuit. Joshua 8:18”

“8:17 not a man left in Ai or Bethel: Much of an individual soldier’s gain from warfare was his share of the spoils taken from the defeated enemy or a reward given by his king for each enemy he killed. • The warriors of Bethel likely joined those of Ai because they also feared Israel’s advance.”

“a man: Jos 8:3, Jos 8:24, Jos 8:25, Jos 11:20; Deu 2:30; Job 5:13; Isa 19:11-13 Bethel: Bethel is not mentioned in the Greek version, and some, with Houbigant and Pilkington, think it was not originally in the Hebrew; because, had the men of Bethel pursued, as well as those of Ai, it would have been said that they left the cities, and not the city, open. The principal strength of Bethel might have been previously taken into Ai, as the strongest place to make a stand in; Bethel being but about three miles westward from Ai. Joshua 8:18”