Paragraph 8:18–23
8:18a
Then: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Then introduces a new event in the storyline.
the LORD said to Joshua: The words that Yahweh told Joshua are a command.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
Yahweh told Joshua
-or-
Yahweh commanded Joshua
8:18b
Hold out your battle lance toward Ai: The clause Hold out your battle lance toward Ai indicates that Joshua must extend his arm to its full length with the javelin pointing towards Ai.
battle lance: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as battle lance refers to either a short sword used for thrusting and hunting, or a curved, crescent-shaped sword. These are some other ways that English versions have translated it:
sword (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
curved sword (NET Bible)
-or-
spear (Good News Translation)
You should choose a word that is similar in meaning to one of these terms and will be understood by your readers.
8:18c
for into your hand I will deliver the city: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as into your hand I will deliver is an idiom. It indicates that Yahweh will enable Joshua and his army to defeat the town of Ai.
8:18d
So: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So introduces a new event in the storyline.
Joshua held out his battle lance toward Ai: Joshua obeyed the command that Yahweh gave him. If this repetition is not natural in your language, you can translate the meaning in another way. For example:
Joshua did as he was told (Good News Translation)
-or-
So Joshua held out his spear (God’s Word)
-or-
So Joshua did what Yahweh commanded him
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