All Israel made as if they were beaten That is, they 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 that were in Ai 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, appears from Joshua 8:24-25. 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 joined with those of Ai in the pursuit.
Related Commentaries of Joshua 8:15
Joshua 8:15-17
15 And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.
16 And all the people that were in Ai were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.
17 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.