17 Not a man remained in Ai or Bethel who did not go after Israel. They left the city open and went in pursuit of Israel.

Other Translations of Joshua 8:17

King James Version

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.

English Standard Version

17 Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel. They left the city open and pursued Israel.

The Message

17 There wasn't a soul left in Ai or Bethel who wasn't out there chasing after Israel. The city was left empty and undefended as they were chasing Israel down.

New King James Version

17 There was not a man left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel. So they left the city open and pursued Israel.

New Living Translation

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.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 8:17

Commentary on Joshua 8:3-22

(Read Joshua 8:3-22)

Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.