Joshua 8:16 web — All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away…

World English Bible

"All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city."

— Joshua 8:16, World English Bible

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Joshua 8:16 in Other Translations

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Joshua 8 — Context

13

So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

14

It happened, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hurried and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but he didn't know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.

15

Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

16

All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

17

There was not a man left in Ai or Beth El who didn't go out after Israel. They left the city open, and pursued Israel.

18

Yahweh said to Joshua, "Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand." Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city.

19

The ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and entered into the city, and took it. They hurried and set the city on fire.

Joshua 8:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Joshua 8:16 say?
Joshua 8:16 in the World English Bible reads: “All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.”
Where is Joshua 8:16 in the Bible?
Joshua 8:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Joshua, chapter 8, verse 16.
Who wrote Joshua?
Joshua is traditionally attributed to Joshua (traditional). Traditionally written by Joshua with later additions noting his death and burial. It was written c. 1405–1380 BC.
What is the book of Joshua about?
Joshua is the account of Israel's entry into Canaan under Moses' successor — the crossing of the Jordan, the fall of Jericho, the conquest of the land, and its division among the twelve tribes. It is a record of God's faithfulness to his covenant promise to Abraham.
What are the major themes of Joshua?
Joshua explores themes including Conquest, Faithfulness, Inheritance, Courage, Holy War. These themes shape the meaning and context of Joshua 8:16.
What translation should I read Joshua 8:16 in?
Joshua 8:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Joshua 8:16?
Joshua 8:16 reads (WEB): “All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them. They pursued Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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