Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
18. the spear ] Heb. Cidn, a dart, or javelin which is hurled, lighter than the Chanith, or spear of the largest kind like that of Goliath, 1Sa 17:7 ; 1Sa 17:45, or king Saul, 1Sa 26:7-8. The Cidn 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 (1Sa 17:6). The LXX. renders the word by Gaison, a short javelin or lance, the Vulg. by sceptrum.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
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. He now, at the command of God, gives the appointed signal to the ambush.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
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 Jos 8:13, and the preceding observations on Jos 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 Jos 8:8.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
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 Jos 8:19, who, though they were at some distance, might know this from persons whom they had set in some high and convenient places to observe Joshuas 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 Gods presence and assistance with them, and of their victory; or as a mean by Gods appointment contributing to their good success, as the like posture of Moses lifting up his hand was, Exo 17:11,12, which may be the reason why he continued this posture till the enemies were all destroyed, Jos 8:26; 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.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
18-25. Joshua stretched out thespear that he had in his hand toward the cityThe upliftedspear had probably a flag, or streamer on it, to render it the moreconspicuous from the height where he stood. At the sight of thisunderstood signal the ambush nearest the city, informed by theirscouts, made a sudden rush and took possession of the city,telegraphing to their brethren by raising a smoke from the walls.Upon seeing this, the main body, who had been reigning a flight,turned round at the head of the pass upon their pursuers, while thetwenty-five thousand issuing from their ambuscade, fell back upontheir rear. The Ai-ites surprised, looked back, and found theirsituation now desperate.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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 for the ambush to come out and seize the city, as both they and Jarchi observe, as well as a signal also to the army of Israel to prepare to turn and face about, and engage with the enemy; though they did not actually do this until they saw the smoke of the city, Jos 8:21;
for I will give it into thine hand; of which the stretching out of his spear seems also to be a confirming sign to him, and which he kept stretched out until all the inhabitants of Ai were destroyed, Jos 8:26;
and Joshua stretched out the spear that [he had] in his hand toward the city: and therefore must turn himself towards it; and it is highly probable that at the same time there was a full stop of the army, and that they immediately turned or prepared to turn about.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
18. And the Lord said unto Joshua, etc This passage shows, that owing either to the strong fortifications of the city, or the valor of its inhabitants, or the trepidation of the Israelites, the victory was difficult, since God promises that he himself would take it by the lifting up of a spear. Had success been beyond doubt, the symbol would have been superfluous; their minds must therefore have been anxious and perplexed, since the Lord, to prevent them from fainting, raises up a banner of confidence in the hand of Joshua. It is true, indeed, that shortly after a different motive for raising the spear is mentioned, when it is said, that in this way a signal was given to the ambuscade, which accordingly rushed forth. But if it really was so used as a signal, it will scarcely do to regard the spear as a manifestation of the victorious power of God dispelling all doubt. Still, however, as it is not expressly said that the spear was the cause which brought forth the soldiers who had been placed in ambuscade, the truth may be that they came forth of their own accord, either because it was the suitable time, or because the shouting and noise made them aware that the battle had actually commenced. For it is scarcely possible to believe that the spear was seen by them, when we consider the long space which intervened, and more especially that Joshua was standing in a valley. Moreover, if we hold that the lifting up of the spear, though intended for a different purpose, had also the effect of inspiring them with additional courage, there will be no absurdity in it.
This much ought to be regarded as certain, first, that by this solemn badge they were rendered more certain of the happy issue of the battle; and secondly, that Joshua had no other intention than to incite his troops according to the command of God. For it is at last added, that Joshua did not draw back his hand until the city was taken, the enemy everywhere destroyed, and the war itself terminated. Hence it appears that he exhibited it in the middle of the conflict as an ensign of triumph, that the Israelites might have no doubt of success. For although he ordered them to engage and use their arms bravely, he at the same time distinctly declared that they had already conquered.
The course of the battle is rendered somewhat obscure by the same thing being told twice, but the substance is sufficiently plain. The children of Israel retreated feigning fear, and the battle had not actually commenced before the inhabitants of Ai were precluded from returning and defending their city. After the two armies had come to close quarters, the ambuscade arose and made such haste that the flames of the conflagration were rising from the city when the enemy turned their backs. From this we may infer that the city was in the possession of the Israelites, but that the chief slaughter took place when those who were in the city came forth to take part in the battle, because the inhabitants, hemmed in on all sides, found resistance and flight equally unavailing. They were thus seized with despair, and, huddled together in a narrow space, were everywhere cut down.
The statement, that the slaughter did not take place in the city before those who had feigned flight returned, I understand to mean, that the whole troops uniting their forces rushed in, seized the prey, and slew all who might have been left. If any one objects that the city was burnt while the battle was going on, I answer, that the fire was indeed applied so as to let both armies know that the city was in possession of the Israelites, but it was not actually destroyed by fire. It was not practicable in a moment of time to seize and carry off the booty, nay, to bring the vessels and a large part of the property without the walls; and it would have been absurd voluntarily to destroy spoils which God had granted. We see, then, that the first fire was not kindled for the purpose of destroying the whole city, but was merely a partial conflagration giving intimation of its capture, and that the Israelites entered at the open gates without bloodshed or a struggle. This is confirmed shortly after, when the burning is ascribed to Joshua himself, not only because it was burnt under his command, but because he was careful, after returning from the battle, to see that it was utterly destroyed; as it is immediately added that he made it a heap of stones in order that it might be a perpetual desolation. (76)
(76) Ai and its apparently tributary town Bethel, thus subjected to a fearful destruction, were situated about twelve miles north from Jerusalem, and seventeen miles west-north-west from Jericho, and had previously been brought under the notice of the Israelites in very different circumstances. For they had read in the interesting narrative of Moses how Abraham had pitched his tent on a mountain, “having Bethel on the west and Hai (Ai) on the east; and there he built an alter unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord,” (Gen 12:8; Gen 13:3😉 and how Bethel, formerly called Luz, had changed its name, because Jacob, on awaking out of his wonderful dream, had declared it to be “none other but the house of God,” and “the gate of heaven.” (Gen 28:11.) Notwithstanding of the doom pronounced and executed upon Ai, it appears to have been rebuilt, was occupied by the Benjamites after their return from the captivity, (Neh 7:32; Neh 11:31; Ezr 2:28,) is mentioned by Josephus under the name of Aina, and still exhibits some indications of its site. — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(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.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
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.
Stretch out the spear This was the concerted signal for the ambush to arise and seize the city. The Hebrew word for spear has been variously explained. See note on 1Sa 17:6. The translator of the Vulgate, and several others, have rendered it shield. Others suppose that a shield was elevated on the spear. Gesenius suggests that the spear supported a small flag, like that of the modern lance. This could be seen by the distant liers in wait, who were, doubtless, instructed to watch for the signal.
Toward the city An act symbolical of the terrible blow which was now to ruin it forever.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘ And YHWH said to Joshua, “Stretch out the spear in your hand towards Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand towards the city.’
This was clearly the signal for the ambush to attack. This would not be a signal to the ‘heel’ or reinforcements (Jos 8:13) but to the original ambush. The spear may have had something on it to indicate that it was Joshua’s spear and he may have waved it preparatory to pointing it towards Ai. He had clearly taken up a place from which his signal could be seen. It had all been well worked out in advance. But Joshua awaited some indication from YHWH that the right time had come. Note that he then continued to hold out the spear until the battle was over (compare Exo 17:11-12). This was the signal that the victory was YHWH’s. It would give confidence to his men.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Ver. 18. And the Lord said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear, &c. The Hebrew word kidon, signifies a shield; and so several interpreters, particularly the Vulgate, render it. Bochart, however, has shewn, that it also signifies a lance, or pike, at the top of which Joshua had fixed a streamer, to make it a standard, that the whole army might observe it, and that it was, in fact, so observed; that is, as a signal, to rally those who feigned flight; immediately determining the liers in ambush to rise, and march strait on to Ai. Probably, as this signal was beforehand agreed upon, and as God himself had given Joshua orders respecting it, the historian, who only mentions it in this place, speaks of it as if given by God at the very moment of execution. Accordingly, he stretched forth the spear, turning himself towards Ai. So formerly Moses, during the famous battle against Amalek, lifted up his rod in the sight of the Israelites, to assure them of victory.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Jos 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.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED TEXT): Jos 8:18-23
18Then 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. 19The men in ambush rose quickly from their place, and when he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it, and they quickly set the city on fire. 20When the men of Ai turned back and looked, behold, the smoke of the city ascended to the sky, and they had no place to flee this way or that, for the people who had been fleeing to the wilderness turned against the pursuers. 21When Joshua and all Israel saw that the men in ambush had captured the city and that the smoke of the city ascended, they turned back and slew the men of Ai. 22The others came out from the city to encounter them, so that they were trapped in the midst of Israel, some on this side and some on that side; and they slew them until no one was left of those who survived or escaped. 23But they took alive the king of Ai and brought him to Joshua.
Jos 8:18 Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai Here again we see the similarity between God’s dealing with Moses in the use of the shepherd’s staff and His dealing with Joshua in the use of the javelin. Both the staff (BDB 641, cf. Exo 4:20; Exo 17:9; Num 20:8) and javelin (BDB 475) show the power is of God and not in human leaders.
The VERB (BDB 639, KB 692, Qal IMPERATIVE) is used several times of YHWH directing Moses (cf. Exo 7:19; Exo 8:5-6; Exo 9:22; Exo 10:12; Exod. 17:16,21; Isa 10:26).
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
the Enemy Completely Destroyed
Jos 8:18-29
Joshuas preparations were skillfully made, and in that very place where Israel had been so disastrously defeated they scored a great victory and took large spoil, especially cattle, which they drove in triumph to the camp at Gilgal.
Taught by Christs gentle spirit, we turn our eyes away from the doom that befell the entire population. In those days notions of Gods justice were not tempered by knowledge of His mercy. But the Bible records the slow growth of even the religious leaders of the race in the true knowledge of God, Act 26:9.
Be of good cheer, you that have been repeatedly overwhelmed by your strong enemies! Your failure arises from some hidden evil lurking in your soul! Put that away! Cast it out as a cancer! Where you were defeated you shall be more than conqueror, through the grace of Christ.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
Stretch: Jos 8:7, Jos 8:26, Exo 8:5, Exo 17:11, Job 15:25
the spear: The word keedon is rendered clypeum, a shield or buckler, by the Vulgate but the LXX translate it , which Suidas says, signifies a kind of weapon, , like a spear. It may denote a short spear, javelin, or lance; for it is evident that it signifies neither the larger spear nor the shield, because it is distinguished from both. 1Sa 17:6, 1Sa 17:41, 1Sa 17:45, Job 39:23, Joshua may have had a flag or ensign at the end of the spear, which might be seen at a considerable distance when extended, which was the sign agreed upon by him and the ambush.
Reciprocal: Exo 23:31 – deliver the Jdg 20:33 – rose up
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jos 8:18. Stretch out thy spear Probably a long spear, with a flag or streamer at the top of it, for a signal to the liers in wait, as well as for a sign to his host present to stop their flight, and make head against the pursuers, and as a token of Gods presence and assistance with them, and of their victory. The Hebrew word , kidon, however, here rendered spear, also signifies a shield, and is so interpreted in the Vulgate. This, if made of polished brass or steel, might be seen from a great distance, by reason of its brightness.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
8:18 And the LORD said unto Joshua, {h} 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.
(h) Or, lift up the banner to signify when they should invade the city.