Joshua 8:18
out ..................... held <05186> [Stretch.]
curved ...................... curved <03591> [the spear.]
The word {keedon} is rendered {clypeum,} a shield or buckler, by the Vulgate but the LXX. translate it [gaison,] which Suidas says, signifies a kind of weapon, [hoion doratos,] like a spear. It may denote a short spear, javelin, or lance; for it is evident that it signifies neither the larger spear nor the shield, because it is distinguished from both.
Joshua may have had a flag or ensign at the end of the spear, which might be seen at a considerable distance when extended, which was the sign agreed upon by him and the ambush.
Exodus 17:11-12
hands ... Moses .................... hands .............. hands <03027 04872> [Moses' hands.]
hands ................... held up ... hands .............. hands <03027 08551> [stayed up his hands.]