Joshua 10:1-15 The Sun Stands Still

The Lord fought for Israel! Israel sets out to defend the Gibeonites from a confederacy of 5 kings among the Amorites. A victory like this would be a decisive blow to all other Canaanite nations. This campaign is also very significant because the territory of conquest is Jerusalem - a very strategic and powerful city in the land. Joshua consults the Lord and he promises to give him every one of them; not one shall stand against him.

There are several factors to consider that highlight God's intervention in this battle. First, there are 5 city-states coming together. This union is an attempt to outnumber and overpower Gibeon and Israel. Secondly, Israel was 25 miles away. The only way to make it in time, was to march through the night without rest. Obviously, this places Israel at a great disadvantage. Thirdly, Israel needed more daytime to finish the job. The night would allow the enemy to retreat, hide, and regroup against them possibly extending the campaign for several days. A complete wipeout required more time.

The Lord fought for Israel! God sent hailstones to attack the Amorites. More people were killed by the hailstones than by the sword. Also, when Joshua realized they needed more time, he prayed and asked for the sun and the moon to stop. More likely, the rotation of the earth was slowed down to delay the setting of the sun. Joshua is just using the language of observation as we still do today (i.e. rising of the sun and setting of the sun). It is significant to note that the main gods of the Amorites were the sun god and the moon god. Imagine the fear in this people when Joshua speaks and asks the God of Israel to control them!

God fights for his people in the establishment of his kingdom upon the earth. God fights for me! If I am devoted to see the kingdom of God established upon the earth, I can count on my God to come through for me in this battle. I am not alone. I am not to fear. I am guaranteed the victory! In Christ, I have all the resources necessary for battle. Like Joshua, I need to act in faith to see God's purposes accomplished. Why do I hesitate to engage in battle? Why do I allow fear to paralyze me? If God is for me, who can come against me?

Lord, strengthen my faith. May I depend on you in all my battles. May I seek you and your resources when I am in need. May I trust you and not my own strength. Help me believe that you fight for me.