Joshua 8 18

Joshua 8:18 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.

Joshua 8:18 nkjv

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.

Joshua 8:18 niv

Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city." So Joshua held out toward the city the javelin that was in his hand.

Joshua 8:18 esv

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." And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city.

Joshua 8:18 nlt

Then the LORD said to Joshua, "Point the spear in your hand toward Ai, for I will hand the town over to you." Joshua did as he was commanded.

Joshua 8 verses

Joshua 8 18 Meaning

Joshua 8:18 details a specific divine command given by the LORD to Joshua for the capture of Ai. After the previous defeat and subsequent atonement for sin, God renews His instruction and promise. Joshua is commanded to stretch out the javelin in his hand towards Ai, not as an act of military attack, but as a symbolic sign. This action serves as a divinely ordained signal for the pre-positioned ambush to attack, accompanied by the explicit assurance from God: "I will give it into your hand." Joshua's immediate obedience to this command results in the city being given over to Israel. The verse highlights God's sovereignty over battles, His faithfulness to His promises, and the critical role of human obedience in securing divine victory.

Joshua 8 18 Context

Joshua chapter 8 follows immediately after Israel's defeat at Ai in chapter 7, which was a direct consequence of Achan's sin and disobedience regarding the devoted things from Jericho. Chapter 7 emphasizes the purity required for God's blessing and military success, culminating in Achan's judgment. Chapter 8 then details the Lord's renewed instruction and command for a second attempt on Ai, following a strategic ambush plan designed by God Himself. This verse (8:18) is the pivotal moment for the main attack, where God provides a unique, symbolic command to signal the final assault, assuring Joshua of victory. Historically and culturally, javelins and spears were common weapons, often also functioning as symbols of authority or leadership. In this context, the javelin acts not primarily as a projectile weapon but as a visible standard or signal of divine authorization, akin to Moses’ staff in earlier narratives, underscoring that victory came from divine power, not merely military strategy. It also served as a polemic against the pagan notion that victory depended on the inherent power of the weapon or the might of the army alone; instead, it explicitly stemmed from the LORD’s command and gift.

Joshua 8 18 Word analysis

• Then the LORD said (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה - wayyōʾmer YHWH): This phrase emphasizes direct divine communication and instruction from the covenant God (Yahweh), indicating that the ensuing action is entirely God-ordained and sanctioned. It signifies a fresh divine initiative after the period of repentance and restoration.
• “Stretch out (נְטֵה - nēṭeh): An imperative verb meaning "to extend," "to direct," "to incline." It signifies a clear, purposeful action, a public gesture that functions as a signal or command. This stretching out is visual and deliberate.
• the javelin (הַכִּידוֹן - hakkîdôn): Refers to a spear or short dart. In this context, it functions primarily as a visual standard or symbolic instrument of authority, rather than an immediate offensive weapon. Its use echoes earlier divine commands involving a physical object (like Moses’ staff). It links military action with divine directive.
• that is in your hand (אֲשֶׁר בְּיָדְךָ - ʾăšer bĕyādḵā): This phrase highlights Joshua's delegated authority and the readily available means God uses. It reinforces that the javelin is an extension of Joshua's role as military leader under divine command, but its power derives from God's instruction, not its own material properties.
• toward Ai (אֶל-הָעַי - ʾel hāʿAy): Specifies the target. The command is precise and leaves no room for ambiguity about the objective.
• for I will give it into your hand (כִּי בְּיָדְךָ אֶתְּנֶנָּה - kî bĕyādḵā ʾetnennāh): "For" introduces the divine guarantee and the reason for the command. "I will give" (אֶתְּנֶנָּה) is a clear future tense indicating an assured outcome determined by God. The repetition of "into your hand" (בְּיָדְךָ) creates a powerful parallel: the javelin in his hand signals the city being given into his hand, linking the symbolic action with the divine transfer of possession and victory. It stresses that victory is God's gift, not Israel's might.
• And Joshua stretched out (וַיֵּט יְהוֹשֻׁעַ - wayyeṭ Yĕhôšuaʿ): This records Joshua’s immediate, precise, and obedient response. It emphasizes his faith and willingness to act upon the LORD's command without hesitation, despite any seeming military irrationality of the act itself. This immediate obedience is crucial for the fulfillment of the divine promise.
• the javelin that was in his hand toward the city: Reiterates Joshua's faithful execution of the divine command, signaling the beginning of God's promised victory.

Joshua 8 18 Bonus section

The act of stretching out the javelin in Joshua 8:18 stands in stark contrast to the previous defeat at Ai. The earlier failure was due to spiritual compromise (Achan's sin), not a lack of military strategy. The successful re-engagement comes only after sin has been dealt with, demonstrating that right standing with God precedes successful endeavors. This verse powerfully illustrates the principle of God's redemptive grace and the restoration of His empowering presence when His people turn from disobedience. The "javelin" as a symbol aligns it with ancient Near Eastern practices of military standards or scepters of authority, but here it is uniquely infused with divine power through direct command. It signifies delegated authority from God to Joshua, confirming Joshua’s leadership role as one directly appointed and guided by the LORD, much like Moses was guided by his staff. This event serves as a strong reminder that God often uses seemingly simple or mundane actions to accomplish His mighty purposes when combined with faith and obedience.

Joshua 8 18 Commentary

Joshua 8:18 marks a pivotal moment in the conquest of Ai, symbolizing the reestablishment of divine favor and Israel's renewed path to victory after their earlier defeat due to Achan's sin. The command for Joshua to stretch out his javelin is not merely a strategic signal, but a deeply theological one. It mirrors earlier instances of divine empowerment through symbolic actions, notably Moses’ outstretched staff. Here, the javelin functions as a visible standard, embodying God’s authoritative presence and His assured transfer of victory.

The power for Ai's capture resided not in the javelin itself, nor in Joshua’s military genius, but entirely in God’s direct command and promise: "I will give it into your hand." Joshua's immediate and unhesitating obedience validates his faith and exemplifies the principle that divine blessing follows humble submission to God's will. This moment demonstrates that warfare, for Israel, was inherently spiritual, dependent on God’s active participation and their faithfulness, rather than conventional military superiority. It underlines God's sovereignty as the Giver of all victory, transforming a mere weapon into an instrument of divine revelation and a beacon of triumph for His people.