Joshua 8:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Not a single man remained behind; all of Ai, joined even by Bethel, went out after Israel, leaving the city wide open.
What Does Joshua 8:17 Mean?
The verse stresses the totality of the enemy's mistake: not one man stayed back. Even men of nearby Bethel joined the chase. The city was left completely open, defenseless, every guard abandoned in the heat of pursuit.
The completeness of their error is the measure of the coming reversal. When confidence becomes recklessness, it holds nothing in reserve. The narrator dwells on the open gate to show how thoroughly the enemy had been deceived by their own pride. It is a warning to guard the heart, for the moment we leave ourselves wholly unguarded, sure of our strength, is the moment we are most easily overthrown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 8:17
What does Joshua 8:17 mean?
Not a single man remained behind; all of Ai, joined even by Bethel, went out after Israel, leaving the city wide open.