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And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city. <a href="/nkjv/joshua/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the spear that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/nasb_/joshua/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Reach out with the sword that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will hand it over to you.” So Joshua reached out with the sword that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/nasb/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, &#8220Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.&#8221 So Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/nasb77/joshua/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” So Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/lsb/joshua/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Yahweh said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” So Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/amp/joshua/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Reach out with the spear that is in your hand [and point it] toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” So Joshua reached out with the spear in his hand [and pointed it] toward the city. <a href="/csb/joshua/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Hold out the javelin in your hand toward Ai, for I will hand the city over to you.” So Joshua held out his javelin toward it. <a href="/hcsb/joshua/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, &#8220Hold out the sword in your hand toward Ai, for I will hand the city over to you.&#8221 So Joshua held out his sword toward it. <a href="/asv/joshua/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Stretch out the javelin that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thy hand. And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/cev/joshua/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Finally, the LORD told Joshua, "Point your sword at the town of Ai, because now I am going to help you defeat it!" As soon as Joshua pointed his sword at the town, <a href="/erv/joshua/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the javelin that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/gwt/joshua/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Hold out the spear in your hand toward the city, because I am handing Ai over to you." So Joshua held out his spear. <a href="/gnt/joshua/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Point your spear at Ai; I am giving it to you." Joshua did as he was told, <a href="/isv/joshua/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the LORD told Joshua, "Stretch out the battle lance that's in your hand toward Ai, because I will give it into your control." So Joshua stretched out the battle lance that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/msb/joshua/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, ?Hold out your battle lance toward Ai, for into your hand I will deliver the city.? So Joshua held out his battle lance toward Ai, <a href="/net/joshua/8.htm">NET Bible</a> The LORD told Joshua, "Hold out toward Ai the curved sword in your hand, for I am handing the city over to you." So Joshua held out toward Ai the curved sword in his hand. <a href="/nheb/joshua/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The LORD said to Joshua, "Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand." Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/wbt/joshua/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD said to Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand towards Ai; for I will give it into thy hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand towards the city. <a href="/web/joshua/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And YHWH says to Joshua, “Stretch out with the javelin which [is] in your hand toward Ai, for I give it into your hand”; and Joshua stretches out with the javelin which [is] in his hand toward the city, <a href="/ylt/joshua/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah saith unto Joshua, 'Stretch out with the javelin which is in thy hand towards Ai, for into thy hand I give it;' and Joshua stretcheth out with the javelin which is in his hand toward the city, <a href="/slt/joshua/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah will say to Joshua, Stretch with the javelin which is in thine hand, to Ai; for into thine hand will I give it. And Joshua will stretch forth with the javelin which in his hand, to the city.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The Lord said to Josue: Lift up the shield that is in thy hand, towards the city of Hai, for I will deliver it to thee. <a href="/cpdv/joshua/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> the Lord said to Joshua: “Lift up the shield that is in your hand, toward the city of Ai. For I will deliver it to you.” <a href="/nabre/joshua/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the LORD directed Joshua: Stretch out the javelin in your hand toward Ai, for I will deliver it into your power. Joshua stretched out the javelin in his hand toward the city, <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the sword that is in your hand toward Ai; for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the sword that was in his hand toward the city.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD said to Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai; for I have delivered it into your hands. And Joshua stretched out the spear that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/hpbt/joshua/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH said to Yeshua: “Lift the spear that is in your hand against Ai because I shall hand it over into your hands.” And Yeshua lifted against the city the spear that was held in his hand<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD said unto Joshua: 'Stretch out the javelin that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thy hand.' And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city. <a href="/sep/joshua/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Lord said to Joshua, Stretch forth thy hand with the spear that is in thy hand toward the city, for I have delivered it into thy hands; and the liers in wait shall rise up quickly out of their place. <a href="/parallel/joshua/8-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=1889" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/8.htm">The Conquest of Ai</a> …17Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel, leaving the city wide open while they pursued Israel. 18<a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Joshua,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: nə·ṭêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">“Hold out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3591.htm" title="3591: bak·kî·ḏō·wn (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A dart, javelin. From the same as kiyd; properly, something to strike with, i.e. A dart.">your battle lance</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏə·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">toward</a> <a href="/hebrew/5857.htm" title="5857: hā·‘ay (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- A Canaanite city. Or uaya((Neh. 11:31); or eayath (Isaiah 10:28); for iy; Ai, Aja or Ajath, a place in Palestine.">Ai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ḇə·yā·ḏə·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into your hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ’et·tə·nen·nāh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 3fse) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">I will deliver the city.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">So Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: way·yêṭ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">held out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3591.htm" title="3591: bak·kî·ḏō·wn (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A dart, javelin. From the same as kiyd; properly, something to strike with, i.e. A dart.">his battle lance</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">toward</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">Ai,</a> 19and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Exodus 17:9-13</a> So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” / Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. / As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/20-4.htm">Deuteronomy 20:4</a> For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a> But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” <a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23-25</a> So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. / As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. <a href="/2_kings/13-15.htm">2 Kings 13:15-19</a> Elisha told him, “Take a bow and some arrows.” So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows. / Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” So the king put his hand on the bow, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. / “Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And Elisha declared: “This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.” ... <a href="/psalms/44-3.htm">Psalm 44:3</a> For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them. <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. <a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1-3</a> This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a> So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18-20</a> Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. / Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/mark/11-22.htm">Mark 11:22-24</a> “Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. <a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Luke 10:19</a> Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. <a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a> I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD said to Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai; for I will give it into your hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city.Stretch<a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Joshua 8:7,26</a> Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand… <a href="/exodus/8-5.htm">Exodus 8:5</a> And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.<a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">Exodus 17:11</a> And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.<a href="/1_samuel/17-6.htm">1 Samuel 17:6,41,45</a> And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders… <a href="/job/39-23.htm">Job 39:23</a> The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/8-17.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/8-17.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/joshua/8-15.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/joshua/8-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/8-1.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/joshua/5-10.htm">Held</a> <a href="/joshua/8-4.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/numbers/25-7.htm">Javelin</a> <a href="/joshua/8-16.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-9.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/exodus/14-27.htm">Stretcheth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-59.htm">Stretching</a> <a href="/joshua/3-16.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/8-20.htm">Ai</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/11-6.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/joshua/9-14.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/9-19.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/joshua/8-26.htm">Held</a> <a href="/joshua/22-5.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/joshua/8-26.htm">Javelin</a> <a href="/joshua/8-21.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/8-26.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/joshua/19-9.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/joshua/19-13.htm">Stretcheth</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Stretching</a> <a href="/joshua/12-1.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 8</div>1. <a href="/joshua/8-1.htm">God encourages Joshua</a> 3. <a href="/joshua/8-3.htm">The plan whereby Ai was taken</a> 29. <a href="/joshua/8-29.htm">The king thereof is hanged</a> 30. <a href="/joshua/8-30.htm">Joshua builds an altar</a> 32. <a href="/joshua/8-32.htm">writes the law on stones</a> 33. <a href="/joshua/8-33.htm">and pronounces the blessings and curses</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then the LORD said to Joshua This phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing that the instructions come directly from God. Throughout the book of Joshua, God speaks to Joshua, guiding him in the conquest of Canaan. This divine guidance underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to lead and deliver His people.“Hold out your battle lance toward Ai The act of holding out the battle lance is symbolic, reminiscent of Moses holding out his staff over the Red Sea (<a href="/exodus/14-16.htm">Exodus 14:16</a>). It signifies divine intervention and assurance of victory. The city of Ai, located near Bethel, was strategically important. Archaeological evidence suggests Ai was a fortified city, making its capture significant for Israel's conquest of the land.for into your hand I will deliver the city.” This promise of deliverance echoes God's assurances throughout the conquest narratives, where God repeatedly promises victory to Israel (<a href="/joshua/1-3.htm">Joshua 1:3</a>). The phrase "into your hand" signifies complete control and victory, a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land (<a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18-21</a>).So Joshua held out his battle lance toward Ai Joshua's obedience to God's command demonstrates his faith and leadership. This act of faith is crucial in the narrative, as it shows Joshua's reliance on God's promises rather than military might alone. It also prefigures the ultimate victory through faith, a theme echoed in the New Testament (<a href="/hebrews/11-30.htm">Hebrews 11:30</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who guides and commands Joshua in the battle against Ai. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of Israel, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/a/ai.htm">Ai</a> A Canaanite city that Israel is commanded to conquer. This is the second attempt after an initial failure due to disobedience. 4. <a href="/topical/b/battle_lance.htm">Battle Lance</a> A symbol of God's command and Joshua's obedience, used to signal the attack on Ai. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of God, who are following Joshua's leadership to claim the land promised to them by God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commands.htm">Obedience to God's Commands</a> Joshua's immediate response to God's instruction demonstrates the importance of obedience in achieving victory. Believers are called to trust and obey God's guidance in their lives. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_the_lance.htm">Symbolism of the Lance</a> The battle lance represents God's authority and power. In our lives, we must recognize the tools and symbols God gives us to accomplish His purposes. <a href="/topical/d/divine_strategy.htm">Divine Strategy</a> God's strategies may not always align with human logic, but they are always perfect. We must seek God's wisdom and direction in our decisions and actions. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a> Just as God promised Joshua victory, He promises us spiritual victories. We must hold onto His promises with faith and perseverance. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> After the initial defeat at Ai due to sin, Israel's repentance led to restoration and victory. This teaches the importance of repentance and aligning with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8</a> <a href="/q/what_is_ai's_significance_in_the_bible.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_ai's_destruction_just_and_loving.htm">How can the total extermination of Ai's inhabitants (Joshua 8:24-25) be reconciled with a just and loving God?</a> <a href="/q/where's_the_evidence_of_ai's_destruction.htm">Where is the archaeological evidence supporting the complete destruction of Ai (Joshua 8:28)?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_joshua_8's_ambush_unique.htm">Why does the ambush strategy described in Joshua 8:2-22 differ from other accounts of Israelite conquests?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) And the Lord said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear.--In the capture of Ai, as in that of Jericho, each stage of the process must be ordered by the Lord. In the former case the hand of Jehovah alone does the work. The ark is borne round the walls until they fall down before it. Against Ai, the hand of Israel is employed, and first of all in Israel the hand of Joshua. He seems to have stretched it out, with the light spear or javelin which he carried, somewhat as Moses stretched forth the rod of God over the contending hosts of Amalek and Israel, until the enemy was discomfited with the edge of the sword.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - The spear. כִידון, a kind of long and slender lance, probably, like those of our lancers, with a flag attached. It is thus described by Kimchi. Jahn, in his 'Archesologia Biblica,' takes this view (sec. 276). But the Vulgate here, followed apparently by Grotius and Masius, suppose it to be a shield, though the LXX. render by γαῖσος. In <a href="/1_samuel/17-6.htm">1 Samuel 17:6</a> the LXX. render by ἄσπις, and our version by target. It is to be distinguished from the lighter חנית or flexible javelin (see, for instance, <a href="/1_samuel/13-22.htm">1 Samuel 13:22</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10</a>, which was thrown at the adversary, whereas the כִידלֺוֹן was used to transfix him in close combat. <a href="/commentaries/joshua/8-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Joshua, יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites “Hold out נְ֠טֵה (nə·ṭêh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend your battle lance בַּכִּיד֤וֹן (bak·kî·ḏō·wn) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3591.htm">Strong's 3591: </a> Something to strike with, a dart toward אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Ai, הָעַ֔י (hā·‘ay) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5857.htm">Strong's 5857: </a> Ai -- a Canaanite city for כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction into your hand בְיָדְךָ֖ (ḇə·yā·ḏə·ḵā) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand I will deliver [the city].” אֶתְּנֶ֑נָּה (’et·tə·nen·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set So Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites held out וַיֵּ֧ט (way·yêṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend his battle lance בַּכִּיד֥וֹן (bak·kî·ḏō·wn) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3591.htm">Strong's 3591: </a> Something to strike with, a dart toward אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to [Ai], הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/8-18.htm">Joshua 8:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/8-18.htm">OT History: Joshua 8:18 Yahweh said to Joshua Stretch out (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/8-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 8:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/8-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 8:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 8:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>