“So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies; is it not written in the Book of Jashar? And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.” (v.13) This verse describes a remarkable event during Israel’s battle against the southern Canaanite kings under Joshua’s leadership around 1400 BC. Joshua, who had succeeded Moses around 1406 BC, was conducting a military campaign in the region of Gibeon, a city located northwest of what is now Jerusalem. The text highlights a miraculous occurrence in which celestial bodies paused, emphasizing God’s direct intervention on behalf of His people. The reference to the Book of Jashar suggests a well-known ancient source that recorded Israel’s victories and significant events.
Through “the sun stood still, and the moon stopped” (v.13), the narrative underscores God’s power to rewrite the normal course of nature. By extending the daylight, the Israelite forces had more time to defeat their enemies. In the broader biblical context, this victory becomes a testament to the Lord’s covenant faithfulness and might, aligning with the scriptural theme that God is capable of extraordinary acts to accomplish His purpose (cite parallels in passages such as Psalms, where God’s might rescues the people, though not quoting them directly here). This miracle also serves as a precursor to the New Testament revelations of God’s power made evident in Jesus, who exercised authority over creation (reference: Matthew 8:26).
God’s intervention in “did not hasten to go down for about a whole day” (v.13) points to a prolonged period of light, giving Joshua and the Israelites the chance to achieve victory. This event declares the Lord’s willingness to fight on behalf of His covenant people when they rely on Him. It reminds believers that God superintends human circumstances, even bending the natural order to accomplish His plans.
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Joshua 10:13 meaning
“So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies; is it not written in the Book of Jashar? And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.” (v.13) This verse describes a remarkable event during Israel’s battle against the southern Canaanite kings under Joshua’s leadership around 1400 BC. Joshua, who had succeeded Moses around 1406 BC, was conducting a military campaign in the region of Gibeon, a city located northwest of what is now Jerusalem. The text highlights a miraculous occurrence in which celestial bodies paused, emphasizing God’s direct intervention on behalf of His people. The reference to the Book of Jashar suggests a well-known ancient source that recorded Israel’s victories and significant events.
Through “the sun stood still, and the moon stopped” (v.13), the narrative underscores God’s power to rewrite the normal course of nature. By extending the daylight, the Israelite forces had more time to defeat their enemies. In the broader biblical context, this victory becomes a testament to the Lord’s covenant faithfulness and might, aligning with the scriptural theme that God is capable of extraordinary acts to accomplish His purpose (cite parallels in passages such as Psalms, where God’s might rescues the people, though not quoting them directly here). This miracle also serves as a precursor to the New Testament revelations of God’s power made evident in Jesus, who exercised authority over creation (reference: Matthew 8:26).
God’s intervention in “did not hasten to go down for about a whole day” (v.13) points to a prolonged period of light, giving Joshua and the Israelites the chance to achieve victory. This event declares the Lord’s willingness to fight on behalf of His covenant people when they rely on Him. It reminds believers that God superintends human circumstances, even bending the natural order to accomplish His plans.