יהושע, פרק ח׳, פסוק ט״ז

A false sense of victory causes the residents of Ai to abandon their defensive posts, leaving their city entirely unprotected. A loud cry rings out, calling everyone to join the pursuit, and the people rapidly gather together [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This quick mobilization happens because they hear the Israelites are retreating and fleeing for a second time, prompting the crowd to rush out to attack them from behind and take their spoils [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The scope of this frantic pursuit is incredibly broad, drawing in two distinct groups of people [מנחת שי, רד״ק]. First, the excitement overtakes even the designated guards. Men whose specific duty is to remain behind and secure the city are swept up in the thrill of the chase, leaving their home wide open and defenseless [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. At the same time, the mob of pursuers expands well beyond the city limits. The call to action reaches the surrounding regions, drawing in people from the broader area, including men from the neighboring city of Bethel [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].