15 And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.
15 Joshua and all Israel let themselves be driven back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness.
15 And Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them and fled in the direction of the wilderness.
15 Joshua and all Israel let themselves be chased; they ran toward the wilderness.
15 And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.
15 Joshua and the Israelite army fled toward the wilderness as though they were badly beaten.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 8:15
Commentary on Joshua 8:3-22
(Read Joshua 8:3-22)
Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must never draw them back.