Joshua 8:26
For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.
Original Language Analysis
וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙
For Joshua
H3091
וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙
For Joshua
Strong's:
H3091
Word #:
1 of 14
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֵשִׁ֣יב
back
H7725
הֵשִׁ֣יב
back
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יָד֔וֹ
not his hand
H3027
יָד֔וֹ
not his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָטָ֖ה
wherewith he stretched out
H5186
נָטָ֖ה
wherewith he stretched out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
6 of 14
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
בַּכִּיד֑וֹן
the spear
H3591
בַּכִּיד֑וֹן
the spear
Strong's:
H3591
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, something to strike with, i.e., a dart
עַ֚ד
H5704
עַ֚ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶֽחֱרִ֔ים
until he had utterly destroyed
H2763
הֶֽחֱרִ֔ים
until he had utterly destroyed
Strong's:
H2763
Word #:
10 of 14
to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Joshua likely stood on elevated ground where troops could see his spear—ancient visual communication before battles. The battle of Ai occurred circa 1406 BC as Israel's second major Canaanite conquest. Joshua's spear contrasts with the javelin Achan coveted (Joshua 7:21), showing proper use of weapons under divine authority versus selfish theft.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual battles require you to 'keep your spear lifted'—maintaining prayer, obedience, or faith—until God's victory is complete?
- How does Joshua's unwavering posture picture Christ's finished work, accomplished through complete obedience to the Father?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear—Joshua's raised spear echoes Moses' raised staff at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16) and during Israel's battle with Amalek (Exodus 17:11-12). The sustained gesture symbolized God's continued empowerment. Until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants (עַד־אֲשֶׁר הֶחֱרִים, ad-asherhecherim)—the verb form emphasizes completed cherem.
This detail underscores leadership's role in maintaining focus until God's purposes are fully accomplished. Joshua didn't lower the spear prematurely, just as believers must persevere in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:13, 'having done all, to stand'). The spear remained lifted as both military signal and prophetic sign that divine power, not human strength, secured victory. Christ's arms stretched on the cross accomplished ultimate victory over sin, death, and Satan (Colossians 2:15).