The answer is: Held out his spear towards Ai

Josh 8:18 - Described as a javelin in some versions

The moment when Joshua held out his spear towards the city of Ai is not just a pivotal battle signal; it encapsulates themes of faith, leadership, and divine intervention present throughout the Book of Joshua. With his javelin raised, Joshua rallied forces not by mere strategy but by his unwavering reliance on God's guidance. It reflects an ancient practice where significant actions—like the lifting of a spear—served to invoke the deity's blessing.

Historically, military leaders used physical symbols or gestures to rally their people. Having Joshua elevate the spear or javelin transitions his military from a simple ambush to an orchestrated act of divine justice, mirroring key biblical moments, like Moses raising his arms to part the Red Sea. It’s fascinating how the battle represented more than conquest; it marked Israel’s emerging identity as a unified entity under a covenant with God.

This story also contains layers of deeper symbolism—the raised spear serving as a connection between the earthly realm and the divine, reflecting how faith was as integral to warfare as weapons and strategy. Interestingly, in the greater narrative, victory over Ai is attributed not to simply defeating their enemies, but to obeying the divine commands given to the people of Israel, a thread that illustrates the importance of obedience in their societal structure.

So next time you think of Joshua’s spear, remember: it wasn’t just a battle cry; it was a declaration that faith paired with action leads to victory against formidable odds!