יהושע, פרק ח׳, פסוק כ׳

The dramatic turning point of the battle of Ai occurs when the pursuers suddenly discover they are trapped, transforming from hunters into the hunted. The men of Ai notice the chaos behind them, turn around, and see the smoke of their own city rising into the sky [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This devastating sight leaves them completely helpless. Commentators offer two ways to understand the nature of this paralysis. One approach explains it as a total loss of strength; they lacked the energy and ability to flee, realizing they were surrounded by a massive number of fighters on all sides [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective suggests it refers to a lack of physical space or direction, meaning there was literally nowhere left for them to escape [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. Regardless of the exact interpretation, the enemy forces are overcome with panic. They stand frozen and confused between their burning city behind them and the Israelite camp in front of them, entirely unsure of how to react [מלבי״ם].

At this moment, the momentum of the battle shifts entirely. The Israelites, who had only been pretending to flee toward the wilderness as part of a calculated deception [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ], abruptly change their course. They turn back to face the very men of Ai who had been chasing them [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. This tactical reversal unfolds in deliberate stages. Initially, when Joshua stretches out his spear, the Israelites merely halt their fake retreat and face the enemy, a move designed to spark shock and confusion. It is only in the next phase, after the hidden ambush forces emerge from the burning city to completely cut off any remaining escape routes, that the Israelites actively begin their attack [מלבי״ם].