Joshua 8:18

Joshua 8:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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,

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Joshua, Let your spear be stretched out against Ai; for I will give it into your hands. So Joshua took up his spear, stretching it out in the direction of the town.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the Lord told Joshua, “Hold up the spear in your hand and point it at Ai, because I'm giving it to you.” So Joshua held up the spear in his hand and pointed it at the town.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the Lord said vnto Ioshua, Stretch out the speare that is in thine hande, towarde Ai: for I wil giue it into thine hand: and Ioshua stretched out the speare that hee had in his hand, toward the citie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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,

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Yahweh said to Joshua, “Lift up your spear and point it toward Ai, because I am going to enable your soldiers to capture it!” So Joshua pointed his spear toward Ai.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 8:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 8:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ נְ֠טֵה בַּ/כִּיד֤וֹן אֲשֶׁר בְּ/יָֽדְ/ךָ֙ אֶל הָ/עַ֔י כִּ֥י בְ/יָדְ/ךָ֖ אֶתְּנֶ֑/נָּה וַ/יֵּ֧ט יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ בַּ/כִּיד֥וֹן אֲשֶׁר בְּ/יָד֖/וֹ אֶל הָ/עִֽיר

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

נְ֠טֵה nâṭâh H5186 to stretch V-Qal-Impv-2ms

בַּ/כִּיד֤וֹן kîydôwn H3591 javelin Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בְּ/יָֽדְ/ךָ֙ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/עַ֔י ʻAy H5857 Ai Art | N-proper

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

בְ/יָדְ/ךָ֖ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

אֶתְּנֶ֑/נָּה nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff

וַ/יֵּ֧ט nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

בַּ/כִּיד֥וֹן kîydôwn H3591 javelin Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בְּ/יָד֖/וֹ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 8:18

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper

Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

נְ֠טֵה nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.

בַּ/כִּיד֤וֹן kîydôwn H3591 "javelin" Prep | N-ms

A javelin is a type of spear or dart used for throwing. In the Bible, it's also used to describe a piece of armor that protects the throat. Goliath wore one before fighting David.

Definition: 1) javelin, short sword, dart 2) gorget, a piece of armour for the throat (1Sa 17.6)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lance, shield, spear, target. See also: Joshua 8:18; Job 39:23; Jeremiah 6:23.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

בְּ/יָֽדְ/ךָ֙ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

הָ/עַ֔י ʻAy H5857 "Ai" Art | N-proper

Ai means 'heap of ruins', a city in Palestine east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as part of the Ammonites' territory. It appears in the book of Joshua and is associated with Heshbon. The city's name reflects its history of destruction.

Definition: § Ai or Aija or Aiath or Hai = "heap of ruins" a city of the Ammonites on the east of the Jordan and apparently attached to Heshbon

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ai, Aija, Aijath, Hai. See also: Genesis 12:8; Joshua 8:20; Isaiah 10:28.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בְ/יָדְ/ךָ֖ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

אֶתְּנֶ֑/נָּה nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

וַ/יֵּ֧ט nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֛עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

בַּ/כִּיד֥וֹן kîydôwn H3591 "javelin" Prep | N-ms

A javelin is a type of spear or dart used for throwing. In the Bible, it's also used to describe a piece of armor that protects the throat. Goliath wore one before fighting David.

Definition: 1) javelin, short sword, dart 2) gorget, a piece of armour for the throat (1Sa 17.6)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lance, shield, spear, target. See also: Joshua 8:18; Job 39:23; Jeremiah 6:23.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

בְּ/יָד֖/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

הָ/עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

Study Notes — Joshua 8:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 8:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:18
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 8:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 8:18
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 8:18
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 8:18
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:18
Sermons on Joshua 8:18

Context — The Conquest of Ai

16Then all the men of Ai were summoned to pursue them, and they followed Joshua and were drawn away from the city. 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.

18Then 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,

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. 20When the men of Ai turned and looked back, the smoke of the city was rising into the sky. They could not escape in any direction, and the troops who had fled to the wilderness now turned against their pursuers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 8:26	Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai.
2	Job 15:25	For he has stretched out his hand against God and has vaunted himself against the Almighty,
3	1 Samuel 17:41	Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him.
4	Exodus 14:16	And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.
5	Joshua 8:7	you are to rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.
6	1 Samuel 17:6	and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders.
7	Exodus 8:5	And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers and canals and ponds, and cause the frogs to come up onto the land of Egypt.’”
8	Exodus 17:9–12	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. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.
9	1 Samuel 17:45	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.
10	Job 39:23	A quiver rattles at his side, along with a flashing spear and lance.

Joshua 8:18 Summary

[This verse shows how God gave Joshua a special sign to capture the city of Ai, by holding out his battle lance, which was a symbol of God's power and presence. By obeying God's command, Joshua was able to trust in God's sovereignty and power to deliver the city into his hand, as promised in Joshua 8:18. This event reminds us that God is always in control and that we can trust in His power and presence, just like in Psalm 23:4, which says that even in the darkest valley, God is with us, and in Romans 8:28, which assures us that God works all things together for our good.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Joshua holding out his battle lance toward Ai?

This action symbolizes Joshua's obedience to God's command, and it also serves as a signal for the men in ambush to rise and capture the city, as seen in Joshua 8:19, fulfilling God's promise in Joshua 8:18.

How did God deliver the city of Ai into Joshua's hand?

God delivered the city by giving Joshua a strategy that included an ambush, as recorded in Joshua 8:1-17, and by providing a sign, Joshua holding out his battle lance, to initiate the attack, similar to how God provided signs and wonders in Exodus 4:1-5 to demonstrate His power and presence.

What can we learn from Joshua's obedience to God's command in this verse?

We can learn the importance of trusting and obeying God's commands, even when they seem unclear or difficult, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, and in Hebrews 11:6, which emphasizes the need for faith to please God.

How does this event relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and power?

This event demonstrates God's sovereignty and power, as He delivers the city of Ai into Joshua's hand, fulfilling His promise and showcasing His ability to accomplish what seems impossible, much like in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1-58, where God gives David the victory over the giant.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust and obey God's commands, even when they seem unclear or difficult?
How can I apply the principle of obedience and trust in God's sovereignty in my daily life, just like Joshua did in this verse?
What are some ways I can demonstrate my faith and trust in God, like Joshua holding out his battle lance toward Ai?
In what ways can I use my circumstances and challenges to glorify God and demonstrate His power, just as God used the conquest of Ai to demonstrate His power and presence?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 8:18

And the Lord said unto Joshua, stretch out the spear that [is] in thy hand towards Ai,.... On which was a flag, as Abarbinel and Ben Melech think; and which is not improbable, and served for a signal

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 8:18

And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city. Joshua stretched out the spear.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 8:18

The spear, or, thy banner; or there might be some banner in the end of his spear. This was prescribed and practised, either, 1. For a sign to his host present with him, to stop their flight, and make head against the pursuers; or, 2. For a signal to the liers in wait, as may seem from , who, though they were at some distance, might know this from persons whom they had set in some high and convenient places to observe Joshua’ s motion, and to give notice from one to another, and that speedily, as is common in such cases, until it came to the whole ambush; or, 3. As a mystical token of God’ s presence and assistance with them, and of their victory; or as a mean by God’ s appointment contributing to their good success, as the like posture of Moses lifting up his hand was, ,12, which may be the reason why he continued this posture till the enemies were all destroyed, ; whereas if it had been a signal only, it was sufficient to do it for a little while. I know no reason why all these ends might not be joined together.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 8:18

Joshua 8:18 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that [is] in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that [he had] in his hand toward the city.Ver. 18. Stretch out the spear.] Hastam vexillarem, the spear whereon hung the colours, for a sign to the soldiers, those of the ambush to enter, and those of the army to turn head against the enemy. By this means, saith one, as by Moses’ s rod, it pleased God to work for his people.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 8:18

(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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 8:18

Verse 18. Stretch out the spear] It is very probable that Joshua had a flag or ensign at the end of his spear, which might be easily seen at a considerable distance; and that the unfurling or waving of this was the sign agreed on between him and the ambush. (see Joshua 8:13, and the preceding observations on Joshua 8:1, observation 6;) and on seeing this flag or ensign unfurled, the men who lay in ambush arose and entered the city, making the fire previously agreed on. See Joshua 8:8.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 8:18

18. the spear] Heb. Cidôn, a dart, or javelin which is hurled, lighter than the Chanith, or spear of the largest kind like that of Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:7; 1 Samuel 17:45, or king Saul, 1 Samuel 26:7-8. The Cidôn could easily be held outstretched for some considerable time and was probably furnished with a flag. When not in action, it was carried on the back of the warrior between the shoulders (1 Samuel 17:6). The LXX. renders the word by Gaison, a short javelin or lance, the Vulg. by sceptrum.

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 8:18

No doubt Joshua had ascended the heights, most likely those to the north of the valley, so as to separate himself from the flying Israelites on the lower ground, and to be visible to the men in ambush behind the city.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 8:18

18. The Lord said — As there were probably no facilities for consulting the Lord by means of the urim and thummim, we infer that there was an immediate communication to Joshua of this divine command.

Sermons on Joshua 8:18

	Sermon	Description
	Step Out Boldly by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches about the concept of faith as a bridge that is built by God under the feet of those who trust in Him. He emphasizes the importance of moving forward in f
	God's Choice of Instruments (I. Cor. I. 27, 28) by Seth Rees	Seth Rees preaches about how God chooses the foolish, weak, despised, base, and things that are not to confound the wise and mighty. He emphasizes the importance of being willing t
	Epistle 230 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing still to hear God's voice and choosing to sit at Jesus' feet, highlighting that true faith and service to God come from believing i
	Moses by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks preaches about God's desire for a people of His best, emphasizing the need for His people to pursue His very best to satisfy His heart fully. He uses examples from
	(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amale
	Steadfastness in Conflict by Duncan Campbell	Duncan Campbell emphasizes the necessity of steadfastness in the face of conflict, drawing parallels between Israel's battle against Amalek and the spiritual struggles Christians f
	Leadership and Ministry (Judges 5:2) by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g