Wesley Corpus

Made as if they were beaten - That is, fled from them, as it were for fear of a second blow. The wilderness - Which lay between Ai and Jericho, whither they now seemed to flee. All the people - Namely, all that were able to bear arms, for old men and children were unfit for the pursuit or fight; and that they were yet left, may seem from ver.24, 25. 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. Stretch out the spear - This was, either, for a sign to his host present with him, to stop their flight, and make head against the pursuers: or, for a signal to the liers in wait, or, as a token of God's presence and assistance with them, and of their victory. Set the city on fire - Not all of it, as appears from ver.28, and because then they had lost that prey which God had allowed them; but part of it, enough to raise a smoke, and give notice to their brethren of their success. All Israel - That is, all the Israelites there present. The other - They who lay in ambush. Took alive - Reserving him to a more ignominious punishment. Smote it - That is, the inhabitants of it, the men, who through age or infirmity were unfit for war, and the women, ver.25. Of Ai - Not strictly, but largely so called, who were now in Ai, either as constant and settled inhabitants, or as sojourners and such as came to them for their help. Drew not his hand back - He kept his hand and spear in the same posture, both stretched out and lifted up, as a sign both to encourage them, and to direct them to go on in the work.