Joshua 8:17 net — No men were left in Ai or Bethel; they all went out after Israel. They left the city wide open and chased Israel.

NET Bible

"No men were left in Ai or Bethel; they all went out after Israel. They left the city wide open and chased Israel."

— Joshua 8:17, NET Bible

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Joshua 8:17 in Other Translations

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Joshua 8 — Context

14

When the king of Ai saw Israel, they rushed to get up early. Then the men of the city went out to meet Israel in battle, he and all his people, at the meeting place near the rift valley. But he did not realize an ambush was waiting for him behind the city.

15

Joshua and all Israel pretended to be defeated by them and they retreated along the way to the wilderness.

16

All the reinforcements in Ai were ordered to chase them; they chased Joshua and were lured away from the city.

17

No men were left in Ai or Bethel; they all went out after Israel. They left the city wide open and chased Israel.

18

The LORD told Joshua,“Hold out toward Ai the curved sword in your hand, for I am handing the city over to you.” So Joshua held out toward Ai the curved sword in his hand.

19

When he held out his hand, the men waiting in ambush rose up quickly from their place and attacked. They entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.

20

When the men of Ai turned around, they saw the smoke from the city ascending into the sky and were so shocked they were unable to flee in any direction. In the meantime the men who were retreating to the wilderness turned against their pursuers.

Joshua 8:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Joshua 8:17 say?
Joshua 8:17 in the NET Bible reads: “No men were left in Ai or Bethel; they all went out after Israel. They left the city wide open and chased Israel.”
Where is Joshua 8:17 in the Bible?
Joshua 8:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Joshua, chapter 8, verse 17.
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 8:17.
What translation should I read Joshua 8:17 in?
Joshua 8:17 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 8:17?
Joshua 8:17 reads (NET): “No men were left in Ai or Bethel; they all went out after Israel. They left the city wide open and chased Israel.” 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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