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Sun Stands Still

Illustration of Sun Stands Still

In the Book of Joshua, during Israel's conquest of Canaan, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over Aijalon while battling a coalition of five Amorite kings who had attacked the Gibeonites. According to the biblical account, these celestial bodies halted their movement for approximately a full day, providing extended daylight that allowed the Israelites to secure a complete victory and pursue their enemies. This event is presented as a direct response to Joshua's prayer, illustrating God's willingness to intervene supernaturally in support of His covenant people. Its significance in Scripture lies in affirming divine sovereignty over creation and underscoring the faithfulness of God's promises during the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.

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Details

Category
Nature
Testament
Old Testament
Performed by
God through Joshua

Key Passages

Joshua's Command

Joshua 10:12-14

T12hen 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.

Did You Know?

1

Joshua's long day is one of the most debated miracles. Some calculate it added nearly 24 hours.

2

Several ancient cultures record an unusually long day or night around the same period.

3

This is the only time in Scripture where God obeys a human voice (Joshua 10:14).