Literally, “were cried together,” that is, they were assembled, as by a public crier. This seems to indicate that the sudden flight of Israel’s army came as a surprise, for the inhabitants of Ai were not expecting it. In their zeal to defend themselves the men of Ai at least displayed greater courage than their neighbors in Jericho. They were not afraid to take the offensive. Encouraged by their previous victory, they had great confidence in success. But their zeal was misspent because they were fighting against God. Thus it is with all who carry on a program in opposition to God. The all-important question is, In my feverish endeavor, on whose side am I? If I am on the wrong side, then there is only one sane course to follow—surrender. If I am on the Lord’s side, then it is mine to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12) with all the energies of my soul.