And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
When Israel had finished killing all the people of Ai who were out in the field and wilderness where they had chased them, and when every last one had been killed by the sword, all the Israelites returned to the city of Ai and destroyed it with the sword as well.
This verse describes Israel's complete military victory over the city of Ai, fulfilling God's command to destroy the city and its inhabitants.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Joshua, the Israelites were commanded by God to conquer the land of Canaan as part of His promise to Abraham's descendants, following their exodus from Egypt. After an initial defeat at Ai due to the sin of Achan, which brought God's judgment, the Israelites regrouped, sought divine guidance, and executed a strategic plan to overcome the city. This verse describes the completion of that battle, where the inhabitants were fully defeated, and the city was destroyed as an act of judgment and fulfillment of God's directive.
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