Topical Bible: Sun: Stood Still

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Topical Encyclopedia

The miraculous event of the sun standing still is recorded in the Old Testament book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 10:12-14. This extraordinary occurrence took place during a battle between the Israelites, led by Joshua, and the Amorite kings. As the Israelites were gaining victory, Joshua prayed to the LORD for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon, allowing the Israelites more time to defeat their enemies.

Biblical Account:

In Joshua 10:12-14 , the text states: "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel."

Historical and Theological Context:

This event is significant in the history of Israel as it underscores the divine intervention and support that the Israelites received from God during their conquest of Canaan. The narrative highlights the power of God over creation, demonstrating His ability to alter the natural order to fulfill His purposes and aid His chosen people.

The mention of the "Book of Jashar" suggests that this event was well-known and recorded in other ancient texts, providing a historical context for the miraculous occurrence. The Book of Jashar is considered a lost non-canonical book that is referenced elsewhere in the Old Testament, such as in 2 Samuel 1:18.

Interpretations and Implications:

From a conservative Christian perspective, the account of the sun standing still is taken as a literal historical event, emphasizing the omnipotence of God and His willingness to intervene in human affairs. This interpretation upholds the belief in the inerrancy of Scripture and the reality of miracles as acts of God that transcend natural laws.

Theologically, this event serves as a testament to the faith and leadership of Joshua, who, through his prayer, demonstrated reliance on God's power. It also illustrates the theme of divine justice, as God aids Israel in executing judgment upon the Amorite kings, fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan.

Scientific Considerations:

The event of the sun standing still has been a topic of discussion and debate among scholars and scientists. Some propose natural explanations or symbolic interpretations, while others maintain that it was a supernatural act of God. The conservative viewpoint holds that God's sovereignty over creation allows for such miraculous events, which may not be fully comprehensible within the framework of human understanding or scientific explanation.

Cultural and Literary Significance:

The account of the sun standing still has captured the imagination of believers and has been referenced in various cultural and literary contexts. It serves as a powerful illustration of faith, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The narrative continues to inspire and challenge readers to trust in God's power and His ability to work beyond the limitations of the natural world.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 10:12,13
Then spoke 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 you still on Gibeon; and you, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
Nave's Topical Index

Habakkuk 3:11
The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of your arrows they went, and at the shining of your glittering spear.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Prophet Isaiah. I.
... vanquish this people. And the sun stood still, and the moon, in their places,
so that day was one of twenty-four hours. And in the ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on the prophet isaiah i.htm

The Historical Books.
... In chap.10:12-14 we read that, at the word of Joshua, the sun stood still and the
moon stayed in the midst of heaven about a whole day, so that "there was no ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... of a hoof, the weird prairie had gleamed into eerie life, had dropped the veil and
spoken to him; while the breeze stopped, and the sun stood still for a flash ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... in the sight and in the hearing of Israel, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gideon, and
thou moon in the Valley of Ajalon." And the sun actually stood still and the ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

The Old Testament and Modern Science
... Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon, And thou, moon, in the valley of Aijalon.
And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed,[3]. {40 ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter ii the old testament.htm

The History of Joshua
... For whom God showed many great marvels and in especial one; that was that the sun
stood still at his request, till he had overcome his enemies, by the space of ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of joshua.htm

Following the Cloud.
... It was something above the light of the sun, for Moses had seen the Glory of the
Lord ... Whenever it moved the people followed, and when it stood still, they rested ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration
... When He pleased, the sun and moon stood still (Josh.10:12, 13); and at a word from
Him the sun went backward ten degrees on the dial of Ahaz (Is.38:8). At His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/2 the absolute godhood of.htm

Growth in Grace
... Isaiah 61:1, and Hosea 14:4. A good Christian is not like Hezekiah's sun that went
backwards, nor Joshua's sun that stood still, but is always advancing in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/9 growth in grace.htm

On the Presentation of the Blessed virgin, or on the Octave of Her ...
... glimpse was so excessively sudden that Elias stood in the ... however short and swift
the vision was, still it was ... eyes cannot bear the brightness of the sun, so a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xiv on the presentation.htm