יהושע, פרק ח׳, פסוק ז׳

A carefully coordinated ambush serves as the central tactic for capturing the city. The plan unfolds in distinct stages, beginning with the main Israelite force pretending to flee in order to draw the enemy away. Meanwhile, the hidden fighters wait for a visual signal made with a spear. Once they see it, they are to immediately rise up from their physical hiding place [מלבי"ם].

Upon emerging, the mission of the ambush force is to conquer the target through the swift removal and destruction of the enemy. The attack is specifically aimed at driving out and eliminating the inhabitants left behind, rather than destroying the physical buildings and structures of the town [מצודת דוד, רד"ק]. Taking control of the area is an incredibly simple task. Since the vast majority of the local men have already rushed out to chase the retreating Israelites, the settlement remains completely defenseless and highly vulnerable to a rapid assault [ביאור שטיינזלץ].