SCRIPTURE: Joshua 10:1-15
OBSERVATION:
Two major issues arise from this reading: the killing of Canaan’s people in the Name of the Lord, and the sun standing still in the sky. I will deal with the killing in Joshua 10:29-43 (Feb 13). So did the sun stand still in the sky? Technically it would be the earth that stopped in its rotation, but in perspective it was the sun standing still. Several questions: Is it possible for the earth to stop in its rotation, without major catastrophe? Is it possible for God to make this event happen? Would God disrupt creation to this extent for one battle? Was it an actual event, or a perception (ie the day seemed to drag out for a long time during the battle)? Check out this link for some interesting observations.
APPLICATION:
If God can create the universe out of nothing, He can certainly alter the earth’s rotation (or however else the miracle might have occured). The underlying question is whether we believe in a God Who could and would do this. If we don’t believe this, then this specific instance is just one of many miracles we will reject. Either there is a God and this is possible, or there is no God and it is not (or there is a God who could not or would not do this miracle). I believe that there is a God Who could do this, and would if He deemed it necessary. I don’t know WHY He chose to do this miracle at that time, but I trust that He has His reasons. In this case (as with many other miracles or unbelievable claims in the Bible), I give God the benefit of the doubt, while retaining many questions and uncertainties as to the why and the how.
PRAYER:
Lord, I don’t know why You extended the day for Joshua, and I don’t know how You did it. But I do believe that You can, and that this is what Joshua experienced. Most of all, I trust that You always do the right thing, and that one day it will all make sense. Until then… Amen.
The Gideonites were a people who were servants of Israel and of the Lord. Their friends had heard of Israel’s power and they wanted the Gideonite’s fortress. Joshua came to the rescue. Those who align themselves with the Lord and His people will experience hatred from their former friends. And it is the duty of God’s people to defend the afflicted for the gospel’s sake.
Once again the Lord God gives the victory. This was shown by the fact the enemy fled in battle even after an all night march by Israel, and more wear killed by the huge hailstones than by the sword. And if that wasn’t enough of God’s amazing power, time stood still for a day. God was fighting for Israel, Not only was this a witness to Israel and the Gibeonites, but to the surrounding nations. What a mighty God they serve! Is there any other God who is so close and so powerful for His people.
Help me to feel and sense and remember Your presence in all I do and say this day, Lord.
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevaling.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.