SEV Biblia, Chapter 8:18
Entonces el SEÑOR dijo a Josué: Levanta la lanza que tienes en tu mano hacia Hai, porque yo la entregaré en tu mano. Y Josué levantó la lanza que tenía en su mano, hacia la ciudad.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Joshua 8:18
Verse 18. Stretch out the spear] It is very probable that Joshua had a flag or ensign at the end of his spear, which might be easily seen at a considerable distance; and that the unfurling or waving of this was the sign agreed on between him and the ambush. (see ver. 13, and the preceding observations on ver. 1, observation 6;) and on seeing this flag or ensign unfurled, the men who lay in ambush arose and entered the city, making the fire previously agreed on. See ver. 8.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 18. And the Lord said unto Joshua, stretch out the spear that [is] in thy hand towards Ai , etc.] On which was a flag, as Abarbinel and Ben Melech think; and which is not improbable, and served for a signal for the ambush to come out and seize the city, as both they and Jarchi observe, as well as a signal also to the army of Israel to prepare to turn and face about, and engage with the enemy; though they did not actually do this until they saw the smoke of the city, ( Joshua 8:21); for I will give it into thine hand ; of which the stretching out of his spear seems also to be a confirming sign to him, and which he kept stretched out until all the inhabitants of Ai were destroyed, ( Joshua 8:26); and Joshua stretched out the spear that [he had] in his hand toward the city : and therefore must turn himself towards it; and it is highly probable that at the same time there was a full stop of the army, and that they immediately turned or prepared to turn about.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 3-22 - Observe Joshua's conduct and prudence. Those that would maintain their spiritual conflicts must not love their ease. Probably he went into the valley alone, to pray to God for a blessing, and he did not seek in vain. He never drew back till the work was done. Those that have stretched out their hands against their spiritual enemies, must neve draw them back.
Original Hebrew
ויאמר 559 יהוה 3068 אל 413 יהושׁע 3091 נטה 5186 בכידון 3591 אשׁר 834 בידך 3027 אל 413 העי 5857 כי 3588 בידך 3027 אתננה 5414 ויט 5186 יהושׁע 3091 בכידון 3591 אשׁר 834 בידו 3027 אל 413 העיר׃ 5892
