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.

For Joshua {H3091} drew {H7725} not his hand {H3027} back {H7725}, wherewith he stretched out {H5186} the spear {H3591}, until he had utterly destroyed {H2763} all the inhabitants {H3427} of Ai {H5857}.

For Y'hoshua did not withdraw his hand, which he had used to point the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of 'Ai.

Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai.

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

Commentary

Joshua 8:26 describes the unwavering commitment of Joshua during the second, successful assault on the city of Ai. This verse serves as a powerful conclusion to the detailed account of the battle, emphasizing Joshua's steadfast obedience to God's command until the mission was fully accomplished.

Context of Joshua 8:26

This verse follows the Israelites' humiliating defeat at Ai (documented in Joshua 7:5), which was attributed to the sin of Achan. After Achan's judgment, God reinstated His favor and provided a new, intricate strategy for taking Ai, involving an ambush (Joshua 8:4). Joshua holding out his spear was the prearranged signal for the ambush force to attack the city (Joshua 8:18). This act of holding the spear aloft, without letting his hand drop, symbolizes his persistent leadership and the divine mandate behind the conquest.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Obedience and Resolve: Joshua's refusal to "draw back his hand" signifies his absolute obedience to God's strategic command and his unwavering resolve. This persistence ensured the complete execution of God's will, contrasting sharply with the previous failure.
  • Divine Judgment and Justice: The phrase "utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai" refers to the concept of herem (Hebrew: חרם), meaning "devotion to destruction" or "to set apart for utter destruction." This was a specific command from God concerning certain Canaanite cities, acting as divine judgment against their pervasive wickedness and idolatry, and to prevent their corrupting influence on Israel (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).
  • Victory Through God's Plan: The success at Ai demonstrates that victory comes not from human strength alone, but from following God's specific instructions and maintaining faith, even after prior setbacks.

Linguistic Insights

The term "utterly destroyed" translates the Hebrew root HΜ£-R-M (חרם), which implies a sacred banning or dedication to God, often by complete destruction. In the context of the conquest of Canaan, it meant that the people and often their possessions were to be completely removed from the land as an act of divine judgment and to preserve the purity of Israel's worship.

Practical Application

Joshua's steadfastness at Ai offers a powerful lesson for believers today. In our spiritual battles and walk of faith, there are times when we must maintain an unwavering stance, persisting in prayer, obedience, and commitment to God's will until the task is complete. Just as Joshua did not lower his spear until the victory was secured, we are called to persevere and not give up on God's commands or promises, even when the process is difficult or prolonged. This verse encourages us to trust in God's strategy and remain committed to His purposes, knowing that He will bring about the ultimate victory.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 17:11

    And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

  • Exodus 17:12

    But Moses' hands [were] heavy; and they took a stone, and put [it] under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

  • 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.
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