For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.

JOSHUA 8:26KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 8:26 (KJV)

What does Joshua 8:26 mean?

Joshua 8:26 means that Joshua kept his hand raised with the spear pointed toward Ai and did not lower it until the entire city and its people were destroyed. This verse shows Joshua’s determination and leadership during the battle, signaling to his troops to continue the attack until the mission was fully completed.

In the story, Joshua is leading Israel in the conquest of Ai after a previous failed attempt. The verse highlights a dramatic moment where Joshua’s raised spear serves as a signal and a symbol of commitment to carrying out God’s instructions. The focus is on Joshua’s unwavering action as a commander, ensuring the attack continued until Ai was completely overtaken.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 8:26

  • "Hand" (יָד, yad): This word refers to Joshua's physical hand, emphasizing his personal involvement and leadership in the battle.
  • "Spear" (כִּידוֹן, kidon): The spear is not just a weapon but also a signal for the troops. Joshua’s extended spear was a visible sign for the army to continue the attack.
  • "Destroyed" (חָרַם, charam): This word often means to devote something to destruction, especially in the context of holy war. It suggests that the destruction of Ai was complete and carried out as an act of dedication or obedience.

Why Joshua 8:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Joshua’s raised spear was not just a momentary gesture but a sustained signal, showing his active role throughout the entire battle.
  • The verse connects to earlier instructions from God, showing Joshua’s obedience and the seriousness with which he carried out the command.
  • It helps explain how the Israelites coordinated their attack, as the raised spear was a practical way for Joshua to direct his forces and ensure the victory was thorough.

Where else these words appear

“spear” Hebrew H3591 · used in 8 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Samuel 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
  • Job 41:29 Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.

“Ai” Hebrew H5857 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Joshua 8:11 And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.
  • Joshua 8:28 And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day.

“destroyed” Hebrew H2763 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 22:20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
  • Joshua 10:28 And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.
  • 1 Samuel 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.