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Sun Stands Still

Illustration of Sun Stands Still
Era
Exodus & Conquest
Date
c. 1405 BC โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Joshua 10:12-14

During the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Joshua led his army in defense of Gibeon against a coalition of five Amorite kings. As daylight waned during the battle, Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to stand still, and Scripture records that God caused the sun to remain in the sky for nearly a full day, enabling the Israelites to achieve a decisive victory. This miracle, detailed in Joshua 10, demonstrates God's sovereign power over creation and His direct intervention on behalf of His covenant people. It underscores the theme of divine assistance in fulfilling the promise of the land, highlighting the effectiveness of faithful prayer in Israel's history.

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Did You Know?

1

As daylight waned during the battle, Joshua prayed for the sun and moon to stand still, and Scripture records that God caused the sun to remain in the sky for nearly a full day, enabling the Israelites to achieve a decisive victory.

2

This miracle, detailed in Joshua 10, demonstrates God's sovereign power over creation and His direct intervention on behalf of His covenant people.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. 1405 BC in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Gilgal.

Key Passage

Sun Stands Still

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.

Read full chapter: Joshua 10 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

Egypt is at the height of its New Kingdom power under pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramesses II. The Hittite Empire controls Anatolia. The Late Bronze Age collapse is approaching. Troy exists as a real city. This is the time of the Amarna letters and international diplomacy.

When: c. 1446 - 1375 BC

Key Civilizations: New Kingdom Egypt, Hittite Empire

Biblical Parallels: Exodus 1-40 , Joshua 1-24