8:26a

The Hebrew conjunction that Berean Standard Bible leaves untranslated but many English versions translate as “For” introduces the reason why the Israelites could destroy Ai. You should indicate reason in a natural way in your language. It some languages it may be most natural to use no connecting word, as in many English versions.

Joshua did not draw back the hand: This clause indicates that Joshua continued to stretch out his arm.

that held his battle lance: Joshua stretched out his arm while he held the battle lance in his hand, and pointed the lance towards Ai.

battle lance: Translate the phrase battle lance the same way as you did in 8:18.

It was important that Joshua keep his arm stretched out and point the battle lance towards Ai until all the people of Ai were dead. This was what Yahweh commanded him to do. This was a symbol that it was Yahweh who won the victory over Ai and not the Israelites themselves.

8:26b

until he had devoted to destruction all who lived in Ai: It may be necessary to make explicit the implied information that Joshua did not kill the people himself. The Israelite soldiers followed his orders and killed every Ai person. For example, you could say:

until the Israelite soldiers destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai

Many English versions use a passive verb. For example:

until all who lived in Ai had been destroyed (Revised English Bible)

Translate this in a way that is natural in your language.

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