Verse 18
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 1 Samuel 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.
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