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.
Ver. 17. And there was not a man left in Ai or Bethel.] Thus obdurate sinners are even ambitious of destruction. Judgments need not go to find them out; they run to meet their bane.
And they left the city open.] Security ushereth in destruction. God's saints are oft outwitted by the devil, whilst by a wile he getteth them out of the city, - the promise and God's gracious presence, - and then doth what he will with them. "Little children," saith St John, "if ye abide in God's commandments" (and so keep home), "ye abide in God," and so are in safety. 1Jn 2:28