18 Then the Lord said to Joshua , " Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai , for I will give it into your hand ." So Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city . 19 The men in ambush rose quickly from their place , and when he had stretched out his hand , they ran and entered the city and captured it, and they quickly set the city on fire .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 8:18-19

Commentary on Joshua 8:3-22

(Read Joshua 8:3-22)

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 never draw them back.