Topical Encyclopedia The term "The Standstill" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be associated with several biblical events where God intervened to halt or pause the natural order or human activity for His divine purposes. These events demonstrate God's sovereignty and power over creation and history.1. The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10:12-14): One of the most notable instances of a standstill in the Bible is when Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still during the battle against the Amorites. The Berean Standard Bible records Joshua's plea: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon." In response, "the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies." This miraculous event allowed the Israelites to achieve victory, showcasing God's direct intervention in response to prayer and His control over the cosmos. 2. The Red Sea Crossing (Exodus 14:13-31): Although not explicitly described as a "standstill," the parting of the Red Sea can be seen as a divine pause in the natural order. Moses, under God's command, stretched out his hand over the sea, and the waters were divided, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The Egyptian army, pursuing them, was thrown into confusion and ultimately destroyed when the waters returned to their place. This event highlights God's power to halt the forces of nature and deliver His people. 3. The Siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:35-36): During the reign of King Hezekiah, the Assyrian army besieged Jerusalem. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night. The next morning, the remaining Assyrians found their army decimated and withdrew. This divine intervention brought a sudden standstill to the siege, demonstrating God's protection over Jerusalem and His ability to alter the course of human events. 4. The Arrest of Jesus (John 18:4-6): In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, He asked them, "Whom are you seeking?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am He," and as He spoke, they drew back and fell to the ground. This momentary standstill, where the arresting party was immobilized, underscores Jesus' authority even in the face of His impending crucifixion. 5. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4): While not a physical standstill, the Day of Pentecost represents a pivotal pause in the spiritual realm. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues and marking the birth of the Church. This event signifies a divine interruption in the status quo, empowering the apostles to spread the Gospel with boldness and clarity. These instances of standstills in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of God's omnipotence and His ability to intervene in the natural and human realms to fulfill His purposes. They illustrate moments when time, nature, or human plans were paused or altered by divine command, reflecting God's ultimate authority over all creation. |