👉 For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this verse from Joshua 8:26. Itâs a really powerful and dramatic part of the story of the Israelitesâ defeat of the Philistines. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Joshua was so angry that he didnât stop stretching out his spear until everything was destroyed. Letâs unpack that a little: âJoshua drew not his hand backâŚâ â This is key. Joshua was actively moving his hand forward, aiming to strike at the enemy. It wasn't a gentle gesture. ââŚwherewith he stretched out the spearâŚâ - He was holding his spear high, ready to launch it. "...until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai." â This is the shocking part. The Philistines were a people living in the area of ancient Israel. Joshuaâs army completely wiped out everything â their people, their homes, everything â in a single battle. It was a complete annihilation. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse shows that Joshua was incredibly angry and determined. His rage pushed him to do something truly terrible - to destroy an entire city. Itâs a stark example of righteous anger, but also highlights how powerful it can be when unleashed without restraint. Context is important: The story of Joshua and the Philistines is part of a larger narrative about God's judgment on sin and wickedness. It shows that God will punish those who defy him and are not faithful to his commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning behind this specific verse in more detail?