The escape plan failed because the Chaldeans, who had well-fed soldiers, and probably also stronger horses, caught up to them. The plains of Jericho, the last place before coming to the jewel of the Jordan, is a flat area with little growth, and therefore the capture of the fleeing king was simple. His soldiers scattered in all directions.
5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him.