◄ Joshua 10 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Day the Sun Stood Still Joshua's unwavering faith in God's promise empowers him to lead Israel to astounding victories. Despite facing a coalition of powerful adversaries, the Israelites prevail, demonstrating that when God is for us, no enemy can stand against us. The United Front (verses 1-5): King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem, alarmed by the growing power of Israel, rallies four other kings to wage war against Gibeon for allying with Israel. The Call for Aid (verses 6-9): The besieged Gibeonites appeal to Joshua for help. Joshua, buoyed by divine reassurance, responds with his army and achieves a surprise victory. The Day the Sun Stood Still (verses 10-14): In an unprecedented event, Joshua commands the sun to stand still, prolonging the day until the Israelites secure a complete victory. The Fate of the Five Kings (verses 15-27): The five kings, having hidden in a cave, are discovered, humiliated, and ultimately executed by Joshua and his commanders. A String of Victories (verses 28-43): Joshua, following God's command, successfully captures and destroys several key cities, leaving no survivors. 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. 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). 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions