16 and all the people who 'are' in the city are called to pursue after them, and they pursue after Joshua, and are drawn away out of the city,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 8:16

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.