NET

42 They retreated before the Israelites, taking the road to the wilderness. But the battle overtook them as men from the surrounding cities struck them down.

Darby

42 And they turned before the men of Israel to the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and those who came out of the cities destroyed them in their midst.

KJV

42 Therefore they turned [their backs] before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which [came] out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.

Strong's

42 Therefore they turned^H6437 their backs] backs before^H6440 the men^H376 of Israel^H3478 unto the way^H1870 of the wilderness^H4057; but the battle^H4421 overtook^H1692 them; and them which came out of the cities^H5892 they destroyed^H7843 in the midst^H8432 of them.