Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For Joshua did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin until he had destroyed all who lived in Ai. New Living Translation For Joshua kept holding out his spear until everyone who had lived in Ai was completely destroyed. English Standard Version But Joshua did not draw back his hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had devoted all the inhabitants of Ai to destruction. Berean Standard Bible Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai. Berean Literal Bible For Joshua did not draw back his hand with which he stretched out the battle lance until that he had devoted to destruction all those dwelling in Ai. King James Bible For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. New King James Version For Joshua did not draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. New American Standard Bible For Joshua did not withdraw his hand with which he reached out with the sword until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. NASB 1995 For Joshua did not withdraw his hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. NASB 1977 For Joshua did not withdraw his hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Legacy Standard Bible For Joshua did not withdraw his hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had devoted to destruction all the inhabitants of Ai. Amplified Bible For Joshua did not withdraw his hand with which he stretched out the spear until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Berean Annotated Bible Joshua (YHWH saves) did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction {cherem} all who lived in Ai (heap of ruins). Christian Standard Bible Joshua did not draw back his hand that was holding the javelin until all the inhabitants of Ai were completely destroyed. Holman Christian Standard Bible Joshua did not draw back his hand that was holding the sword until all the inhabitants of Ai were completely destroyed. American Standard Version For Joshua drew not back his hand, wherewith he stretched out the javelin, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. English Revised Version For Joshua drew not back his hand wherewith he stretched out the javelin, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. GOD'S WORD® Translation Joshua did not lower his hand holding the spear until he had completely destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. International Standard Version Joshua did not cease his attack until he had completely destroyed every inhabitant of Ai. NET Bible Joshua kept holding out his curved sword until Israel had annihilated all who lived in Ai. New Heart English Bible For Joshua did not draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the javelin, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Webster's Bible Translation For Joshua drew not his hand back with which he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJoshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai. World English Bible For Joshua didn’t draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the javelin, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Joshua has not brought back his hand which he stretched out with the javelin until he has devoted all the inhabitants of Ai; Berean Literal Bible For Joshua did not draw back his hand with which he stretched out the battle lance until that he had devoted to destruction all those dwelling in Ai. Young's Literal Translation And Joshua hath not brought back his hand which he stretched out with the javelin till that he hath devoted all the inhabitants of Ai; Smith's Literal Translation And Joshua turned not back his hand which he stretched out with the spear till he exterminated all the inhabitants of Ai. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Josue drew not back his hand, which he had stretched out on high, holding the shield, till all the inhabitants of Hai were slain. Catholic Public Domain Version Truly Joshua did not draw back his hand, which he had stretched out on high, keeping hold of the shield until all the inhabitants of Ai were put to death. New American Bible Joshua kept the javelin in his hand stretched out until he had carried out the ban on all the inhabitants of Ai. New Revised Standard Version For Joshua did not draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the sword, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor Joshua did not draw his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yeshua did not return his hand that was raised with the spear until he had destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For Joshua drew not back his hand, wherewith he stretched out the javelin, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Conquest of Ai…25A total of twelve thousand men and women fell that day—all the people of Ai. 26Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai. 27Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua.… Cross References Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance 2 Samuel 23:10-12 but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. / And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. / But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory. Exodus 17:11-12 As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. / When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Joshua 10:12-14 On the day that the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” / So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? “So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” / There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel. until he had devoted to destruction Deuteronomy 7:2 and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. Deuteronomy 20:17 For you must devote them to complete destruction—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you, 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” all who lived in Ai. Joshua 10:28 On that day Joshua captured Makkedah and put it to the sword, along with its king. He devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors. So he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho. Joshua 11:11 The Israelites put everyone in Hazor to the sword, devoting them to destruction. Nothing that breathed remained, and Joshua burned down Hazor itself. Deuteronomy 2:34 At that time we captured all his cities and devoted to destruction the people of every city, including women and children. We left no survivors. 1 Samuel 15:8-9 He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword. / Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to devote them to destruction, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless. 1 Samuel 15:32-33 Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.” Agag came to him cheerfully, for he thought, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.” / But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal. 2 Samuel 8:2 David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. 2 Kings 13:18-19 Then Elisha said, “Take the arrows!” So he took them, and Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!” So he struck the ground three times and stopped. / But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.” 2 Kings 13:25 Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz took back from Ben-hadad son of Hazael the cities that Hazael had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Jehoash defeated Ben-hadad three times, and so recovered the cities of Israel. 2 Kings 23:25 Neither before nor after Josiah was there any king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses. 1 Chronicles 5:22 and many others fell slain, because the battle belonged to God. And they occupied the land until the exile. Treasury of Scripture For Joshua drew not his hand back, with which he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. 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. drew not 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. Exodus 17:11,12 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed… Jump to Previous Ai Complete Destroyed Destruction Devoted Draw Drew Hand Held Inhabitants Javelin Joshua Outstretched Spear Stretched Utterly Wherewith WithdrawJump to Next Ai Complete Destroyed Destruction Devoted Draw Drew Hand Held Inhabitants Javelin Joshua Outstretched Spear Stretched Utterly Wherewith WithdrawJoshua 8 1. God encourages Joshua3. The plan whereby Ai was taken 29. The king thereof is hanged 30. Joshua builds an altar 32. writes the law on stones 33. and pronounces the blessings and curses Joshua did not draw back the hand that held his battle lance This phrase highlights Joshua's unwavering commitment and determination in the battle against Ai. The "battle lance" symbolizes leadership and authority in warfare. Joshua's steadfastness can be compared to Moses holding up his hands during the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:11-12), signifying perseverance and divine support. The act of not drawing back his hand indicates complete dedication to God's command, reflecting the importance of obedience in achieving victory. until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites, successor to Moses, and a central figure in the conquest of Canaan. He is known for his faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. 2. Ai A Canaanite city that was the site of a significant battle between the Israelites and the inhabitants of the land. The city was ultimately destroyed as part of God's judgment. 3. The Battle of Ai A pivotal event in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, where Joshua led the Israelites to victory after an initial defeat due to disobedience within the camp. Teaching Points Perseverance in ObedienceJoshua's unwavering stance with his battle lance symbolizes steadfastness in following God's commands. Believers are encouraged to remain resolute in their faith and obedience, even when faced with challenges. Divine Strategy and Human Action The victory at Ai was a result of both divine guidance and human action. Christians are reminded that while God provides direction, they must actively participate in His plans. The Consequences of Sin and Repentance The initial defeat at Ai was due to sin within the Israelite camp. This teaches the importance of addressing sin and seeking repentance to restore God's favor. The Role of Leadership Joshua's leadership exemplifies the importance of strong, faithful leaders who guide their people according to God's will. This is a call for both leaders and followers to seek God's guidance in their roles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 8:26?2. How does Joshua 8:26 demonstrate Joshua's obedience to God's commands? 3. What does "did not draw back" reveal about Joshua's leadership qualities? 4. How can we apply Joshua's perseverance in our spiritual battles today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Joshua 8:26 and Ephesians 6:10-18? 6. How does Joshua's unwavering commitment inspire us to trust God's promises? 7. Why did Joshua not lower his hand until Ai was completely destroyed? 8. How does Joshua 8:26 align with the concept of a loving God? 9. What is the historical evidence for the battle of Ai described in Joshua 8:26? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 8? 11. How can the total extermination of Ai's inhabitants (Joshua 8:24-25) be reconciled with a just and loving God? 12. Where is the archaeological evidence supporting the complete destruction of Ai (Joshua 8:28)? 13. Why does the ambush strategy described in Joshua 8:2-22 differ from other accounts of Israelite conquests? 14. What is Ai's significance in the Bible? What Does Joshua 8:26 Mean Joshua did not draw back the hand• The wording stresses Joshua’s unwavering perseverance. His arm stays extended for the entire engagement, reflecting servant-leadership that refuses to quit until God’s word is fulfilled (cf. Exodus 17:11-13, where Moses’ upheld hands keep Israel victorious). • Literally keeping a limb raised is tiring; Scripture highlights the cost of obedience, yet also God’s enabling grace (Isaiah 40:29-31; 2 Thessalonians 3:13). • Joshua models steadfast faith that contrasts with leaders who faltered—Saul, for example, lowered his resolve and spared what God had said to destroy (1 Samuel 15:17-23). that held his battle lance • The “battle lance” (or javelin) is no random prop; back in Joshua 8:18 the LORD specifically told Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin in your hand toward Ai, for into your hand I will deliver the city.” The same weapon now stays lifted as a visible sign that the victory still flows from God’s promise. • Raising the spear serves as a rallying point for Israel’s forces, much like Gideon’s trumpets and torches in Judges 7:20 announce divine strategy. • The object in Joshua’s hand reminds us that God often uses tangible symbols—Moses’ staff (Exodus 4:2-5) or the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8-9)—to connect faith to action. until he had devoted to destruction • “Devoted to destruction” refers to placing something under God’s ban: it must be fully given over to Him, usually by being destroyed (Deuteronomy 7:1-2; 20:16-18). This is not human cruelty but divine judgment on entrenched wickedness (Genesis 15:16). • Joshua’s unbroken stance highlights complete obedience; partial compliance would have been disobedience, as Saul learned at Amalek (1 Samuel 15:9-11). • The phrase underscores that God’s commands have a clear, non-negotiable finish line—faith presses on until the assignment is entirely done (Philippians 3:12-14). all who lived in Ai • The destruction is total, because the sin and idolatry of Ai are total. The conquest narrative makes clear that Israel is not on a land-grab but is executing God’s righteous judgment (Leviticus 18:24-25). • No one is spared, unlike Jericho’s Rahab who was rescued by faith (Joshua 6:17, 25). Ai shows the stark alternative when a city remains hardened. • The completeness of the judgment points forward to the ultimate, final judgment where every unrepentant sinner faces eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15). summary Joshua 8:26 captures determined obedience. Joshua keeps his weapon raised—just as God directed—until every aspect of the mission is finished. The lifted lance signals divine authority, rallies the troops, and underscores that victory belongs to the LORD. The thorough judgment on Ai fulfills God’s righteous decree, reminding believers that partial obedience is disobedience, and that perseverance, though costly, is always rewarded by the faithfulness of God. Verse 26. - Utterly destroyed. Hebrew, הֶחֶרִים (see note on Joshua 6:17).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Joshuaוִיהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙ (wî·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites did not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no draw back הֵשִׁ֣יב (hê·šîḇ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again his hand יָד֔וֹ (yā·ḏōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that held נָטָ֖ה (nā·ṭāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend his battle lance בַּכִּיד֑וֹן (bak·kî·ḏō·wn) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3591: Something to strike with, a dart until עַ֚ד (‘aḏ) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the inhabitants יֹשְׁבֵ֥י (yō·šə·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry of Ai הָעָֽי׃ (hā·‘āy) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5857: Ai -- a Canaanite city were completely destroyed. הֶחֱרִ֔ים (he·ḥĕ·rîm) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2763: To seclude, to devote to religious uses, to be blunt as to the nose Links Joshua 8:26 NIVJoshua 8:26 NLT Joshua 8:26 ESV Joshua 8:26 NASB Joshua 8:26 KJV Joshua 8:26 BibleApps.com Joshua 8:26 Biblia Paralela Joshua 8:26 Chinese Bible Joshua 8:26 French Bible Joshua 8:26 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 8:26 For Joshua didn't draw back his hand (Josh. 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