Joshua 8:24
And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
Cross-references
Joshua 8:16 describes the initial chase by Ai’s army, setting up the field slaughter that verse 24 concludes when Israel returns to smite the city.
In Joshua 8:2, God instructs to destroy Ai; verse 24 records the fulfillment of that instruction.
Joshua 8:17 explains why Ai was undefended — all inhabitants left to pursue Israel — leading to the city’s destruction in verse 24.
In Joshua 10:30-41, the same total destruction of cities and inhabitants is repeated, showing consistent obedience to God’s command as at Ai.
In Joshua 11:10-14, the same pattern of herem is applied to northern cities, confirming the consistent practice of total destruction as at Ai.
In Joshua 10:20, the same pattern of total defeat and slaughter of enemies echoes the complete destruction at Ai.
Deuteronomy 7:2 commands utterly destroying Canaanites; Joshua 8:24 shows Israel obeying that command at Ai.