Sun Stands Still
Joshua spoke to the sun and it obeyed. For nearly a full day, the sun stood still over Gibeon while Israel completed their victory. There has never been a day like it.
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.
Details
- Category
- Nature
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Performed by
- God through Joshua
Key Chapters
Key Passages
Joshua's Command
Joshua 10:12-14
This passage reveals how God responds to bold faith by miraculously intervening to secure victory for His people.
12hen 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.
Did You Know?
Joshua's long day is one of the most debated miracles. Some calculate it added nearly 24 hours.
Several ancient cultures record an unusually long day or night around the same period.
This is the only time in Scripture where God obeys a human voice (Joshua 10:14).