When The Sun Stood Still

As the Lord leads Joshua and Israel in the battle for the promised land (Ex 3:8), He demonstrated His divine powers against their enemies by casting “down great stones from heaven” (v. 11). Here we see Him causing the sun to stand still, “and the moon stayed,” to extend the daylight hours for Joshua and his army to gain victory! Many “scoffers” (2 Pet 3:3), argue that this passage is not scientific. However, when we talk about sunrise and sunset (Ps 113:3), we don’t actually use technical terms to describe our observation.

On that miraculous day (v. 14), Joshua and the people around him witnessed the sun literally standing still for the duration of “a whole day” without setting! In fact, ancient records from the Aztec, Babylonian, Chinese, and Egyptian cultures all confirm the existence of a long day that occurred about this time. Surely, some might protest that this violates the law of nature. But God’s law was in effect here (Job 38:12), and He controls everything! He Who “giveth the sun for a light by day” (Jer 31:35), will do “whatsoever He hath pleased” (Ps 115:3).

Joshua led his people to a great victory, “because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel” (v. 42)! There will be times that God will also intervene supernaturally in the lives of His children – He will help us fight the battles we are facing (1 Cor 15:57). When our loving Saviour Jesus Christ saves lost sinners upon their profession of faith in Him (Eph 2:8), He changes their lives (2 Cor 5:17), and promises to fight their enemies (Ps 60:12). If we “have faith, and doubt not” (Mt 21:21), He will remove the mountains of trials, hurts, and difficulties in our lives. His strength will shine through all day, for every struggle that we face! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera