When you lose ground it can be difficult to regain it. There are many examples of failures by great spiritual men in the Bible. Abraham, Moses, Peter and Paul, to name but a few. We fail but the Lord is there to pick us up. See Psalm 37:23-24.

1 – The Historical Battle (vs. 12)

The children won the battle of Jericho and the Ai. A League of Nations now get together to oppose Israel. There are six kings against Joshua. Some sent spies and Jericho made a pact with the Gideonites. The five remaining kings set out to take revenge on the Gideonites. Joshua defends the Gideonites as he has promised. Joshua and the Gideonites are defeating the five kings when the sun starts to set. Joshua needs more time to finish the victory. Joshua asks for the sun and moon to stand still. The day was extended.

2 – The Philosophical Battle

This battle is fought by scholars. Some read this bible passage and say it is folklore or myth.

• Astronomical evidence – It can be proved from astronomical evidence. The sun was set at high noon, right over the city of Gibeon. The moon was in the valley of Ajalon. You can count back using astronomical records.
• Theological evidence – God is powerful. It was God who created the universe. If God wants to extend the day, He can do it.
• Historical evidence – There is legends throughout the world of a long day. E.g. Chinese, Peru, etc.

3 – The Heavenly Battle

The Bible was written for our admonition. The saints are battling against spiritual wickedness. You can’t have victory unless you have battles.

• The truth concerning the reliability of the Word of God – If the Bible says the sun stood still then it stood still. The Bible has burned and attacked throughout history – yet it still remains. Do you love this book?
• The truth concerning the care of God for his children (vs. 14). The Lord fought for Israel. You don’t get God to be on your side. You need to get on God’s side. God does not want to take sides – He wants to take over.
• The truth concerning the power of God. See Joshua 10:24. The enemies of Israel were already defeated. The enemies of the Church are also already defeated. God can do abundantly more above what we can think.
• The truth concerning the work of God. (vs. 14). The enemies of Israel were already defeated. God is not going to stop the sun again. He is not going to prolong time again. The sun will descend each day. You had better get the work of God done each day. The sun is setting on you. We can’t work when it is dark. See John 9:4. If you are going to do something for God, now is the time to do it.

Categories: Joshua