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    Old Testament
    Power Over Nature

    The Sun Stands Still

    At Joshua's command the sun stood still over Gibeon until Israel defeated her enemies.

    The Sun Stands Still

    When five Amorite kings attacked Gibeon, Joshua marched to defend the city. As the battle raged, Joshua cried out, 'Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon.' The sun stayed in the midst of heaven and hasted not to go down about a whole day — a day like no other before or since.

    Performed by

    God (in answer to Joshua)

    Location

    Gibeon, in the land of Canaan

    What Happened

    • 1Five Amorite kings besieged Gibeon, Israel's ally
    • 2Joshua marched all night and attacked
    • 3The Lord cast great hailstones on the enemy
    • 4Joshua commanded the sun to stand still over Gibeon
    • 5The day was lengthened until Israel had avenged itself

    Key KJV Scriptures

    "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."

    Spiritual Significance

    Joshua 10:14 says there was no day like it before or since, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man. It is a unique testimony that the God who created the heavens still rules them.

    Lesson for Today

    God can suspend the order of creation when His purposes require it. Pray boldly — the Lord still hearkens to the voice of His people.

    Key People

    Joshua
    The kings of the Amorites

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did the sun really stand still for Joshua?

    Yes — Joshua 10:13 records that the sun stood still and the moon stayed about a whole day. The passage stresses that no day like it has ever existed.

    What is the book of Jasher?

    An ancient Hebrew record referenced in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18. It is not part of the canon of Scripture and has not survived.

    Where in the Bible is the miracle of The Sun Stands Still?

    The miracle of The Sun Stands Still is recorded in Joshua 10:13 (KJV).

    Who performed the miracle of The Sun Stands Still?

    Scripture records that God (in answer to Joshua) carried out this miracle at Gibeon, in the land of Canaan. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).

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