◄ Joshua 10 ►
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The Day the Sun Stood Still 1Now Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai and devoted it to destructiona —doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king—and that the people of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were living near them. 2So Adoni-zedek and his people were greatly alarmed, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were mighty. 3Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish, and Debir king of Eglon, saying, 4“Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon, because they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.” 5So the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces and advanced with all their armies. They camped before Gibeon and made war against it. 6Then the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come quickly and save us! Help us, because all the kings of the Amorites from the hill country have joined forces against us.” 7So Joshua and his whole army, including all the mighty men of valor, came from Gilgal. 8The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you.” 9After marching all night from Gilgal, Joshua caught them by surprise. 10And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. 11As they fled before Israel along the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down on them large hailstones from the sky, and more of them were killed by the hailstones than by the swords of the Israelites. 12On the day that 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.”b 13So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies.c Is this not written in the Book of Jashar?d “So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.”e 14There 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. 15Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal. The Victory at Makkedah 16Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah. 17And Joshua was informed: “The five kings have been found; they are hiding in the cave at Makkedah.” 18So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post men there to guard them. 19But you, do not stop there. Pursue your enemies and attack them from behind. Do not let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.” 20So Joshua and the Israelites continued to inflict a terrible slaughter until they had finished them off, and the remaining survivors retreated to the fortified cities. 21The whole army returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one dared to utter a word against the Israelites. 22Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.” 23So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. 24When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. 25“Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.” 26After this, Joshua struck down and killed the kings, and he hung their bodies on five treesf and left them there until evening. 27At sunset Joshua ordered that they be taken down from the trees and thrown into the cave in which they had hidden. Then large stones were placed against the mouth of the cave, and the stones are there to this day. 28On that day Joshua captured Makkedah and put it to the sword, along with its king. He devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors. So he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho. Conquest of the Southern Cities 29Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against Libnah. 30And the LORD also delivered that city and its king into the hand of Israel, and Joshua put all the people to the sword, leaving no survivors. And he did to the king of Libnah as he had done to the king of Jericho. 31And Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Libnah to Lachish. They laid siege to it and fought against it. 32And the LORD delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, and Joshua captured it on the second day. He put all the people to the sword, just as he had done to Libnah. 33At that time Horam king of Gezer went to help Lachish, but Joshua struck him down along with his people, leaving no survivors. 34So Joshua moved on from Lachish to Eglon, and all Israel with him. They laid siege to it and fought against it. 35That day they captured Eglon and put it to the sword, and Joshua devoted to destruction everyone in the city, just as he had done to Lachish. 36Then Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron and fought against it. 37They captured it and put to the sword its king, all its villages, and all the people. Joshua left no survivors, just as he had done at Eglon; he devoted to destruction Hebron and everyone in it. 38Finally Joshua and all Israel with him turned toward Debir and fought against it. 39And they captured Debir, its king, and all its villages. They put them to the sword and devoted to destruction everyone in the city, leaving no survivors. Joshua did to Debir and its king as he had done to Hebron and as he had done to Libnah and its king. 40So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country, the Negev, the foothills,g and the slopes, together with all their kings—leaving no survivors. He devoted to destruction everything that breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded. 41Joshua conquered the area from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza, and the whole region of Goshen as far as Gibeon. 42And because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel, Joshua captured all these kings and their land in one campaign. 43Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal. Footnotes: 1 a Forms of the Hebrew cherem refer to the giving over of things or persons to the LORD, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering; also in verses 28, 35, 37, 39, and 40. 12 b See Jasher 88:63. 13 c Or triumphed over its enemies 13 d Or the Book of the Upright One, commonly cited as Jasher 13 e See Jasher 88:64. 26 f Or impaled their bodies on five poles; similarly in verse 27 40 g Hebrew Shephelah or lowlands; that is, the western foothills of Judea Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Joshua 10 Summary The Day the Sun Stood Still Verses 1–5 – The Five Amorite Kings Unite Against Gibeon Word of Israel’s victories over Jericho and Ai and of Gibeon’s treaty shakes Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem. He rallies four fellow Amorite rulers—Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—to punish Gibeon for defecting to Israel. Verses 6–11 – Israel Marches Overnight; God Sends Panic and Hailstones Gibeon pleads for help. Joshua leads his army up from Gilgal through the night. The LORD reassures him: “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand” (v. 8). Surprise, terror, and a chase down the descent of Beth-horon follow, and “large hailstones” kill more enemies than Israel’s swords. Verses 12–15 – Sun and Moon Stand Still at Joshua’s Command Joshua petitions the LORD, then cries, “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and moon, over the Valley of Aijalon” (v. 12). The celestial bodies halt “about a full day” so Israel can finish the fight. The narrator notes the event is recorded in the Book of Jashar and concludes, “There has been no day like it before or since” (v. 14). Verses 16–27 – The Five Kings Captured and Executed The fleeing kings hide in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua seals them in, routs their armies, then brings the kings out. Commanders place their feet on the kings’ necks—an acted-out promise of future victories (cf. Psalm 110:1). Joshua kills and hangs them until sunset, then entombs them in the cave. Verses 28–39 – Rapid Conquest of Southern Cities Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish (defended by help from King Horam of Gezer), Eglon, Hebron, and Debir fall in swift succession. Each city, its king, and its people are “put to the sword” in obedience to Deuteronomy 7:2. Verses 40–43 – Total Domination of the Southern Region From Kadesh-barnea to Gaza and Goshen to Gibeon, Joshua subdues the hill country, the Negev, the lowlands, and the mountain slopes “because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel” (v. 42). The army returns to Gilgal to prepare for the northern campaign. This chapter recounts the formidable military campaign led by Joshua as he and the Israelites face the combined forces of five Amorite kings. The Gibeonites, fearing the wrath of Israel, call upon Joshua for help, prompting a rapid response filled with divine interventions, strategic warfare, and ultimate victory. Historical and Geographic Setting • Gilgal sits near the Jordan Rift, roughly 25 mi/40 km from Gibeon, yet Joshua’s force ascends 3,300 ft/1,000 m overnight—an exhausting march that magnifies the miracle of immediate victory. • The Amorite coalition circles key Canaanite strongholds in the central hill country and the Shephelah (foothills). Control of this corridor opens southern Canaan to Israel and severs alliances among the cities. • Modern excavations identify Gibeon with el-Jib, Lachish with Tell ed-Duweir, and Hebron with Tel Rumeida/Khirbet Arba. Pottery destruction layers from the Late Bronze/Iron transition match a late-15th to early-13th-century conquest window. Alliance Politics: Gibeon, Israel, and the Five Kings • Joshua 9’s treaty forces Israel to defend former enemies. Faithfulness to a covenant—even an ill-advised one—models integrity (cf. Psalm 15:4). • The Amorite kings’ immediate response shows how threatening Israel’s presence has become; instead of attacking Israel directly, they try to eliminate Gibeon, Israel’s new ally, hoping to isolate Joshua. • The rapid unraveling of their plan illustrates Proverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the LORD.” The LORD’s Direct Intervention 1. Panic (v. 10) echoes God’s promise in Exodus 23:27. 2. Hailstones recall Egypt’s plague (Exodus 9:18–26) and anticipate end-time judgments (Revelation 16:21). 3. The prolonged daylight stands alone in Scripture yet parallels God’s control of time in 2 Kings 20:8-11 (shadow moves backward) and Habakkuk 3:11. Literal readers see a unique cosmic miracle; others suggest slowed rotation, refraction, or divine light. The text celebrates God’s sovereign mastery rather than explaining mechanics. Military Strategy and Leadership Lessons • Surprise night march: strategists still prize forced marches for shock effect. • Cutting retreat routes: the chase down Beth-horon traps Amorite forces between cliffs and hail. • Symbolic foot-on-neck act (v. 24): a morale boost for troops and a living picture of future victories (Romans 16:20). • Sequential assaults: by tackling cities one after another before they can regroup, Joshua prevents a second coalition. Archaeological Insights into the Conquered Cities • Lachish’s Level VII destruction shows widespread burning and rapid rebuilding, consistent with biblical chronology. • Debir (likely Khirbet Rabud) reveals a wiped-out Late Bronze layer replaced by early Israelite four-room houses. • At Gibeon, over two dozen wine cellars and massive water systems illustrate why the Amorites valued the city’s resources. The Book of Jashar Mentioned here and in 2 Samuel 1:18, it appears to be an early collection of heroic poetry. Its citation affirms the event’s historicity and reminds readers that God works in verifiable history, not myth. Christ-Centered Connections • Joshua’s name (Yehoshua, “The LORD saves”) foreshadows Jesus (Yeshua) (Matthew 1:21). • The sun’s halt, giving Israel time to secure victory, pictures the future moment when the “Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2) will usher in final triumph. • The kings’ humiliating end prefigures the defeat of spiritual rulers and authorities by Christ’s cross (Colossians 2:15). Practical Applications for Believers • Keep your word even when inconvenient (Joshua 9; 2 Corinthians 1:20). • Courage grows from God’s promises: “Do not fear… not one of them shall stand” (10:8). • Spiritual battles are won by both faithful effort (all-night march) and divine intervention (hail, day lengthened). • Defeated enemies underfoot picture believers’ authority in Christ (Luke 10:19). Key Names and Places Adoni-Zedek: “lord of righteousness,” an ironic title for an enemy of God’s people. Beth-horon: twin towns guarding the ascent from the coastal plain to the highlands. Makkedah: “place of shepherds,” strategic cave systems. Libnah: “whiteness,” possibly for its chalk hills. Debir: earlier called Kiriath-sepher, “city of books,” hinting at scribal activity. Connections to Other Scriptures • Deuteronomy 7:2 – command to “utterly destroy” Canaanite cities. • Isaiah 28:21 – the LORD rises up “as in Mount Perazim,” fighting for His people. • Psalm 18:12–14 – hail and coals of fire in battle. • Hebrews 11:30-34 – faith subdues kingdoms, specifically naming no one yet reflecting Joshua’s era. Joshua 10 showcases God’s supremacy over armies, kings, nature, and time itself while calling His people to bold, obedient action grounded in His unfailing promises. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. This verse connects to God's control over creation as seen in Joshua 10. Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us? This echoes the assurance God gave Joshua in verse 8. Ephesians 6:10-18 The armor of God passage reminds us of the spiritual battle we face and the need for both divine power and human responsibility. Teaching Points Divine Intervention Joshua 10:12-14 describes the miraculous event where Joshua commands the sun and moon to stand still: So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. This demonstrates God's control over the universe and His willingness to intervene for His people. God's Faithfulness The chapter begins with the coalition of Amorite kings attacking Gibeon, an ally of Israel. God reassures Joshua in verse 8, Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you. This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises. Human Responsibility and Divine Power While God performs the miracle, Joshua and the Israelites still have to fight. This balance between divine intervention and human action is crucial in understanding our role in God's plans. Judgment and Justice The defeat of the Amorite kings and their armies (verses 16-27) serves as a reminder of God's justice. The destruction of these enemies was a fulfillment of God's judgment against their wickedness. Practical Applications Trust in God's Promises Just as God assured Joshua of victory, we can trust in God's promises in our lives, knowing He is faithful and sovereign. Prayer and Action Like Joshua, we should pray for God's guidance and intervention while also taking action in faith, knowing that God works through our efforts. Recognize God's Power Reflect on the ways God has shown His power in your life and give Him glory for His mighty works. Stand for Righteousness Be encouraged to stand firm in righteousness, knowing that God is just and will ultimately bring about justice. People 1. Adoni-Zedek He is the king of Jerusalem who initiates the coalition of Amorite kings to fight against Gibeon for making peace with Israel. His name means "Lord of Righteousness" in Hebrew. 2. Joshua The leader of Israel, who leads the Israelites in battle against the Amorite coalition. His name in Hebrew, Yehoshua, means "The LORD is salvation." 3. Hoham The king of Hebron, one of the five Amorite kings who join Adoni-Zedek in the attack against Gibeon. 4. Piram The king of Jarmuth, another member of the coalition of Amorite kings. 5. Japhia The king of Lachish, who also joins the alliance against Gibeon. 6. Debir The king of Eglon, the fifth king in the coalition against Gibeon. 7. The LORD Referred to multiple times as the divine force aiding Israel. The Hebrew name used is YHWH, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. Places 1. Jerusalem Description: Jerusalem is the city where Adoni-Zedek, the king, resided. It is significant as a central location in biblical history and is often associated with peace, as its name in Hebrew, "Yerushalayim," can be interpreted as "foundation of peace." 2. Hebron Description: Hebron is one of the cities whose king joined the coalition against Gibeon. It is historically significant as a city of refuge and the place where Abraham settled. The Hebrew name "Chevron" is related to the word for "association" or "alliance." 3. Jarmuth Description: Jarmuth is another city whose king allied against Gibeon. The name in Hebrew, "Yarmuth," may be related to elevation or height, indicating its geographical features. 4. Lachish Description: Lachish is a city whose king joined the coalition. It was an important fortified city in the Shephelah region. The Hebrew name "Lakhish" might be derived from a root meaning "invincible." 5. Eglon Description: Eglon is a city whose king was part of the alliance against Gibeon. The name "Eglon" in Hebrew is similar to the word for "calf," possibly indicating fertility or abundance. 6. Gibeon Description: Gibeon is the city that made a treaty with Israel, prompting the coalition of kings to attack it. The Hebrew name "Giv'on" is related to the word for "hill" or "height." 7. Gilgal Description: Gilgal is where Joshua and the Israelites camped before coming to the aid of Gibeon. The name "Gilgal" in Hebrew means "circle" or "wheel," possibly referring to a circle of stones or a rolling away of reproach. 8. Makkedah Description: Makkedah is the place where the five Amorite kings hid in a cave and were later executed. The Hebrew name "Makkedah" might be related to a root meaning "herding" or "gathering." 9. Libnah Description: Libnah is a city that Joshua and the Israelites captured after defeating the coalition. The name "Libnah" in Hebrew means "whiteness," possibly referring to the color of the local soil or stones. 10. Lachish Description: Lachish is mentioned again as a city that Joshua captured. Its strategic importance is highlighted by its repeated mention. 11. Eglon Description: Eglon is also mentioned again as a city captured by Joshua, emphasizing the thoroughness of the conquest. 12. Hebron Description: Hebron is mentioned again as a city captured by Joshua, underscoring its significance in the narrative. 13. Debir Description: Debir is a city captured by Joshua after Hebron. The Hebrew name "Debir" is related to the word for "oracle" or "sanctuary," indicating its possible religious significance. Events 1. The Coalition Against Gibeon Five Amorite kings formed an alliance to attack Gibeon because it had made peace with Israel. The kings were from Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon (Joshua 10:1-5). 2. Gibeon's Plea for Help The men of Gibeon sent a message to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, asking for immediate assistance against the Amorite coalition (Joshua 10:6). 3. Joshua's March and Divine Assurance Joshua and his troops marched all night from Gilgal to Gibeon. The LORD assured Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:7-8). 4. The Surprise Attack Joshua launched a surprise attack on the Amorite coalition, and the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, leading to a great victory at Gibeon (Joshua 10:9-10). 5. The Hailstorm As the Amorites fled, the LORD hurled large hailstones from the sky, killing more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword (Joshua 10:11). 6. The Sun Stands Still Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon. The LORD answered, and the sun stopped in the middle of the sky, delaying its setting for about a full day (Joshua 10:12-14). 7. The Defeat of the Amorite Kings Joshua and the Israelites continued to pursue and defeat the Amorite kings, who fled and hid in the cave at Makkedah (Joshua 10:15-17). 8. The Execution of the Kings Joshua ordered the cave's entrance to be sealed with large stones and later brought the kings out, executed them, and hung their bodies on trees until evening (Joshua 10:18-27). 9. The Conquest of Southern Cities Joshua and the Israelites captured and destroyed several southern cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir, leaving no survivors as commanded by the LORD (Joshua 10:28-39). 10. The Return to Gilgal After the successful campaign, Joshua and all Israel returned to their camp at Gilgal (Joshua 10:43). Lessons from Joshua 10 1. Trust in God's Promises In Joshua 10, we see a powerful reminder that God is faithful to His promises. When Joshua and the Israelites faced a coalition of five Amorite kings, God assured Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8). This teaches us to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is always true to His word and will guide us through our battles. 2. The Power of Prayer Joshua's bold prayer for the sun to stand still is a testament to the power of prayer. "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:13). This miraculous event shows us that when we pray with faith, God can do the impossible. Let this inspire you to pray boldly and expectantly, knowing that God hears and answers. 3. Courage in Leadership Joshua's leadership in this chapter is marked by courage and decisiveness. He led his people into battle with confidence, trusting in God's guidance. As leaders in our own lives, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we can learn from Joshua to lead with courage, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. 4. God's Sovereignty Over Creation The miraculous halting of the sun and moon demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation. "There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD heeded the voice of a man" (Joshua 10:14). This reminds us that God is in control of all things, and nothing is beyond His power. We can rest assured that the Creator of the universe is orchestrating everything for His purposes. 5. Unity in the Face of Adversity The Israelites faced a formidable alliance of five kings, yet they stood united under Joshua's leadership. This unity was crucial for their victory. In our own lives, we are stronger when we stand together with fellow believers, supporting and encouraging one another in the face of challenges. 6. God's Justice Prevails The defeat of the Amorite kings is a powerful reminder of God's justice. "The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, and He defeated them with a great slaughter at Gibeon" (Joshua 10:10). God's justice may not always be immediate, but it is certain. We can trust that He will ultimately right every wrong and bring justice to all. 7. The Importance of Obedience Joshua's success was rooted in his obedience to God's commands. He followed God's instructions without hesitation, leading to victory. This teaches us the importance of obedience in our own lives. When we align our actions with God's will, we position ourselves to experience His blessings and guidance. 8. God's Presence in Our Battles Throughout Joshua 10, God's presence is evident as He fights for Israel. "The LORD fought for Israel" (Joshua 10:14). This assurance of God's presence in our battles is a source of strength and comfort. No matter what challenges we face, we can be confident that God is with us, fighting on our behalf. 9. The Role of Faith in Victory Joshua's faith in God's promises and power was instrumental in the Israelites' victory. His unwavering belief in God's ability to deliver them is a lesson for us all. Faith is a key component in overcoming obstacles and achieving victory in our own lives. Let us cultivate a faith that trusts in God's power and promises. 10. God's Glory in Our Successes Finally, Joshua 10 reminds us that all victories ultimately bring glory to God. The miraculous events and the defeat of the Amorite kings were a testament to God's power and faithfulness. As we experience successes in our own lives, let us remember to give God the glory, acknowledging that every good thing comes from Him. Topics 1. The Coalition Against Gibeon (Joshua 10:1-5) The chapter begins with Adoni-Zedek, king of Jerusalem, forming a coalition with four other Amorite kings to attack Gibeon because it made peace with Israel. This reflects the Hebrew root "קשר" (qashar), meaning to conspire or bind together, highlighting the alliance formed against Gibeon. 2. Gibeon's Call for Help (Joshua 10:6-7) The Gibeonites send a message to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, pleading for assistance against the Amorite coalition. This demonstrates the covenantal relationship between Israel and Gibeon, as Joshua honors the treaty made with them. 3. The LORD's Assurance to Joshua (Joshua 10:8) God reassures Joshua, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you." This promise underscores the Hebrew root "נתן" (natan), meaning to give or deliver, emphasizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness. 4. The Surprise Attack and Victory (Joshua 10:9-11) Joshua leads a surprise night march from Gilgal and attacks the Amorite coalition. The LORD confounds the enemies, and as they flee, He hurls large hailstones from the sky, killing more than the Israelites did with the sword. The divine intervention is a testament to God's power and support for Israel. 5. The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10:12-14) Joshua prays for the sun to stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon, so that Israel can complete their victory. The text states, "The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day." This miraculous event is unique in biblical history, emphasizing God's control over creation. 6. The Defeat of the Five Kings (Joshua 10:15-27) The five Amorite kings hide in a cave at Makkedah, but Joshua orders the cave to be sealed until the battle is won. Afterward, the kings are executed, and their bodies are displayed as a sign of God's judgment. This act fulfills the Hebrew concept of "חרם" (cherem), meaning devoted to destruction. 7. Conquest of Southern Cities (Joshua 10:28-39) Joshua and the Israelites continue their campaign, capturing and destroying several southern cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir. Each victory is attributed to the LORD's guidance and support, reinforcing the theme of divine providence. 8. Summary of the Southern Campaign (Joshua 10:40-43) The chapter concludes with a summary of Joshua's conquests in the southern region, emphasizing that he left no survivors and that the LORD fought for Israel. This summary highlights the comprehensive nature of the campaign and God's role in granting Israel the land. Themes 1. Divine Intervention and Miraculous Events In Joshua 10, God intervenes directly in the battle between Israel and the Amorite kings. The most notable miracle is when Joshua prays for the sun to stand still, and God grants his request: "So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:13). The Hebrew word for "stood still" (דָּמַם, damam) implies a miraculous halting, emphasizing God's control over creation. 2. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The chapter highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. God assures Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand against you" (Joshua 10:8). This assurance reflects the Hebrew concept of God's covenant faithfulness (חֶסֶד, chesed), demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people. 3. The Power of Prayer Joshua's prayer for the sun to stand still exemplifies the power of prayer and reliance on God. The narrative shows that God listens to and acts upon the prayers of His faithful servants. This theme underscores the importance of prayer in the believer's life, as seen in Joshua's bold request and God's response. 4. Judgment and Justice The destruction of the Amorite kings and their cities illustrates the theme of divine judgment and justice. The text states, "Joshua struck them down and left no survivors" (Joshua 10:40). This reflects the Hebrew concept of divine justice (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat), where God enacts judgment on those who oppose His will and His people. 5. Leadership and Obedience Joshua's leadership and obedience to God's commands are central to the chapter. He follows God's instructions without hesitation, leading Israel to victory. This theme highlights the importance of godly leadership and obedience to divine directives, as seen in Joshua's actions throughout the campaign. 6. Unity and Cooperation Among God's People The chapter also emphasizes the unity and cooperation among the Israelites. The tribes work together under Joshua's leadership to defeat their enemies. This theme reflects the Hebrew concept of community (עֵדָה, edah), where collective action and unity are vital for achieving God's purposes. 7. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty over the nations and their rulers. The defeat of the Amorite coalition shows that no earthly power can withstand God's will. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of God's supreme authority (מַלְכוּת, malkut), affirming His control over all creation and history. Prayer Points Praise for God's Sovereignty Thank God for His control over all creation and His ability to perform miracles. Faithfulness in Promises Pray for a deeper trust in God's promises and His faithfulness in your life. Courage and Action Ask for courage to take action in faith, knowing that God is with you. Justice and Righteousness Pray for God's justice to prevail in the world and for strength to stand for righteousness. As we reflect on Joshua 10, may we be encouraged by God's mighty power and His unwavering support for those who trust in Him. Let us walk in faith, knowing that the God who made the sun stand still is the same God who guides and protects us today. Answering Tough Questions 1. How could the sun literally “stand still” in Joshua 10:13 without catastrophic astronomical or physical consequences? 2. Why do no known external historical or astronomical records verify such an extraordinary event mentioned in Joshua 10? 3. How can we reconcile claimed total destruction of certain cities in Joshua 10:39–40 with archaeological evidence of continued habitation? 4. Why is there no definitive geological or historical trace of the destructive hailstones described in Joshua 10:11? 5. How can the subsequent presence of these Canaanite peoples in later passages be explained if they were thoroughly defeated as stated in Joshua 10? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the Gibeonites' call for help and Joshua's immediate response reflect the nature and value of alliances and promises in our lives today? 2. Joshua showed mercy and protection to the Gibeonites despite their deceit in earlier chapters. How does this align with your understanding of mercy and justice? 3. The chapter mentions that God fought for Israel. How have you seen evidence of God fighting for you in your own life? 4. Joshua 10:8 records God reassuring Joshua not to be afraid. How does God's reassurance give us courage in times of fear and uncertainty in our lives? 5. In this chapter, we see Joshua obediently following God's directions without questioning Him. How does this model of obedience challenge you in your own relationship with God? 6. How does the event of the sun standing still resonate with the belief that God can interrupt the laws of nature to assist His people? 7. In your personal life, have there been times when you wish you could have had more time, like Joshua's long day, to accomplish something? How did you handle it? 8. How does the occurrence of the sun standing still speak to the idea of God's miraculous intervention in seemingly impossible situations in our lives? 9. Joshua and his men marched all night to surprise the enemy. How does this reflect the need for sacrifice and hard work in our efforts to overcome personal battles? 10. How do you reconcile God's active involvement in the war, including the large hailstones killing more people than the Israelites' swords, with your understanding of God's character? 11. What does the execution of the five kings symbolize in terms of God's justice? 12. How does Joshua's prayer to make the sun stand still challenge us to pray big prayers in our own lives? 13. The execution of the Amorite kings served as a visual demonstration of God's power over Israel's enemies. How can this imagery inspire Christians facing spiritual battles today? 14. How does the account of this battle teach us about leadership, especially the kind of leadership that relies on God's guidance and authority? 15. Joshua led the people of Israel to claim their inheritance as promised by God. How does this relate to our own Christian journey of claiming God's promises? 16. How does the dedication and unity of Joshua and the Israelites in pursuing their enemies inspire us in our commitment to personal and communal goals? 17. In our modern context, how can we apply the principle of not making peace with God's enemies, as demonstrated by Joshua's relentless pursuit of the Amorite kings? 18. Joshua's actions were in complete obedience to God's commandments. What can this teach us about the relationship between obedience to God and successful leadership? 19. How can we relate the swift justice that the five kings received to the concept of consequences for our actions in contemporary life? 20. In this chapter, the Israelites experienced a significant victory. How can this story give us hope and encouragement in our personal life battles? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions