יהושע, פרק ח׳, פסוק כ״א

Once the hidden ambush force captures the city and sets it ablaze, the tide of the battle shifts completely. Seeing the success of their trick, the Israelites immediately end their staged retreat. They either return to the original spot from which they had initially fled, or they simply turn around, changing their direction to face their pursuers head-on [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. With their momentum reversed, the Israelites launch a direct assault and strike down the men of Ai.