Joshua 8:18 NIV

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Joshua 8:18

Ver. 18. And the Lord said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear, &c.— The Hebrew word כידון 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... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Joshua 8:18

18-25. Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city—The uplifted spear had probably a flag, or streamer on it, to render it the more conspicuous from the height where he stood. At the sight of this understood signal the ambush nearest the city, informed by their scouts, 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... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 8:1-29

3. Victory at Ai 8:1-29When the people had dealt with the sin of Achan as God commanded, Israel was ready to engage the enemy again. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Joshua 8:14-23

Evidently men from Bethel, Ai’s neighbor, joined with the men of Ai to repulse Israel’s attack (Joshua 8:17). These two cities had apparently made a treaty for mutual defense.Stretching out his javelin (Joshua 8:18) was Joshua’s prearranged signal to his men in ambush to attack. It symbolized that victory came from the Lord (cf. Exodus 14:16; Exodus 17:8-12). read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 8:1-35

The Conquest of Ai. The Covenant confirmed upon Mt. Ebal1-29. The Taking of Ai. Edersheim explains that Joshua detailed a corps of 30,000 men, of whom 5,000 were placed W. of Ai in a wood. The 25,000 pitched K of Ai, and subsequently moved forward into the valley below the city. Then came the feigned attack and retreat eastward, the signal from Joshua, and the assault by the ambush from the rear. It should be noted, however, that there are two accounts of the ambush, one in Joshua 8:3, Joshua... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Joshua 8:18

(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... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Joshua 8:1-35

Joshua 8:0 By general consent the valley of Shechem holds the distinction of being one of the most beautiful in the country. 'Its western side,' says Stanley, 'is bounded by the abutments of two mountain ranges, running from west to east. These ranges are Gerizim and Ebal; and up the opening between them, not seen from the plain, lies the modern town of Nablous [Neapolis = Shechem].... A valley green with grass, grey with olives, gardens sloping down on each side, fresh springs running down in... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Joshua 8:1-29

CHAPTER XVI.THE CAPTURE OF AI.Joshua 8:1-29.JOSHUA, having dealt faithfully with the case of Achan, whose sin had intercepted the favour of God, is again encouraged, and directed to renew, but more carefully, his attack on Ai. That word is addressed to him which has always such significance when coming from the Divine lips - "Fear not." How much of our misery arises from fear! How many a beating heart, how many a shaking nerve, how many a sleepless night have come, not from evil experienced,... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Joshua 8:1-35

8. The Overthrow of Ai CHAPTER 8 1. The advance commanded (Joshua 8:1-2 ) 2. The strategy of Joshua (Joshua 8:3-13 ) 3. Ai’s defeat (Joshua 8:14-29 ) 4. Joshua’s obedience (Joshua 8:30-35 ) Sin confessed, judged and put away restored communion with the Lord. If any burden remained upon the mind of Joshua, it was removed by the repeated words of comfort and cheer. “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed.” The failure is no longer mentioned, but instead, comfort and assurance is given and... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Joshua 8:18

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. read more