The King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem learned that the Gibonites had made a treaty with Israel. Gibeon was a large city with a formidable army. He sent a message to four other kings of area city-states to fight against Israel and Gibeon.
“Come up and help me, and let us attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the Israelites” (Joshua 10:4).
The Gibeonites learned of the king’s plans and responded by appealing to Johsua for help.
“Do not abandon your servants; come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who live in the hill country are gathered against us” (Joshua 10:6).
They believe their agreement with Israel includes protection from enemy attacks. Their alliance with Joshua faced a challenge. How will Israel react?
Israel’s Response
Israel responds by coming to the aid of the Gibeonites at the direction of the Lord.
So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the fighting force with him, all the mighty warriors.
The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have handed them over to you; not one of them shall stand before you” (Joshua 10:7-8).
God was the military leader who guided Joshua to climb from Gilgal to Gibeon at night to fend off the Amorite kings and armies of the southern kingdom.
God provided strategies, created confusion among the enemies, and secured victory for Israel. Joshua rightly surrendered military leadership to God.
As we think about this ancient narrative, we should ask ourselves, who is fighting our battles? Can we trust that God is involved? Will we trust him to guide us and help us win over life’s challenges?
The Day the Sun Stood Still
Years ago, I had questions about the miracles in the Bible. I ordered an expensive book from Oxford University Press and waited for it to be shipped to the city where I lived.
The first article was very technical, filled with theological explanations that I didn’t understand. However, the last page of the book stuck with me.
The author said the question isn’t about miracles; it’s about God. If God is truly God, He can do anything He wants in the universe. He is not limited by our small thinking.
As we look at the story in the book of Joshua, let’s remember that God can do anything He wants in His universe, just like I can do what I want with my body. My mind thinks it, and my body acts accordingly.
On the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the Lord, and he said in the sight of Israel,
“Sun, stand still at Gibeon,
and Moon, in the valley of Aijalon.”
And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped
until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.
Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in midheaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.
There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded a human voice, for the Lord fought for Israel (Joshua 10:12-14).
The miracle is impressive, no doubt. But there’s a phrase in the last verse that stands out to me: “The Lord heeded a human voice.”
This makes me wonder, do we believe our prayers matter? It’s not about manipulating or persuading God. Instead, when we join with Him, He works through us. Consider this promise from Jesus with that in mind.
Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.
I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it” (John 14:12-14).
As we think about the victory God gave Joshua in response to prayer, let’s also think about the battles we face today.
Whether it’s personal struggles or global issues, we need to come before the Lord to understand His will and purposes on earth. Are we praying in Jesus’ name and aligning our prayers with what issues are most important to him?
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 