Battle of Gibeon (Sun Stands Still)

Illustration of Battle of Gibeon (Sun Stands Still)

During the Israelite conquest of Canaan, five Amorite kings formed a coalition to attack Gibeon after its people made a treaty with Joshua, prompting him to lead a forced night march to defend the city. In the ensuing battle, God intervened decisively by sending a hailstorm that killed more enemy soldiers than the Israelites did with their swords, and by miraculously prolonging daylight at Joshua's request so the victory could be completed before nightfall. This event matters because it illustrates God's direct fulfillment of His covenant promises to give Israel the land, demonstrating His sovereignty over nature and commitment to His people. In Scripture, it stands as a testament to the power of faithful obedience and prayer in the face of overwhelming odds, recorded in Joshua 10 as a pivotal moment in the conquest narrative.

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Details

Era
Exodus & Conquest
Category
Conquest
Participants
Israel vs. Five Amorite Kings
Outcome
Five Amorite kings defeated, sun stands still
Divine Intervention
Yes

Key Passages

The Battle

Joshua 10:10-14

A10nd the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. 12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

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