King James Version
What Does Joshua 8:26 Mean?
“For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.”
Joshua 8:26 · KJV
Context
24
And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
25
And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai.
26
For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.
27
Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according unto the word of the LORD which he commanded Joshua.
28
And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it an heap for ever, even a desolation unto this day.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFor 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).
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).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural 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.
Reflection Questions
- 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?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsלֹֽא2 of 14
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֵשִׁ֣יב3 of 14
“back”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יָד֔וֹ4 of 14
“not his hand”
H3027a 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
אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָטָ֖ה6 of 14
“wherewith he stretched out”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
עַ֚ד8 of 14
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶֽחֱרִ֔ים10 of 14
“until he had utterly destroyed”
H2763to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose
אֵ֖ת11 of 14
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל12 of 14
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֥י13 of 14
“all the inhabitants”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Joshua 8:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Joshua 8:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge