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Joshua 10 Commentary
by Hank Workman
Throughout the Israelite’s taking of their new land we see Joshua’s integrity and faith. He was called to victory and acted upon it. When the kings of the south heard of the Gibeonites peace treaty they formed an alliance to come against them and ultimately Israel. God would use this alliance of destruction with these 5 kings to bring a great victory.
In fact, their alliance actually helped Joshua as through the account it brought them all together and aided him in conquering through one military campaign rather than several. In one single battle, the Israelite’s won the south. In crazy faith, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still so they could win and God honored this request. Being Lord of Creation, He can do all things bringing more glory to His name and power.
Triumph is part of God’s business.
He worked with His people for victory. Telling the Israelite’s to not be afraid but to have courage, Joshua reminded the people God was fighting for them. And within every battle recorded throughout the rest of the chapter it speaks of how the Lord did just that.
I think we need these same reminders. So often what we are called to seems daunting and overwhelming. We may feel outnumbered and not up for the task even. God who has called us will fight for us. God who has empowered us to move forward even when the situation seems difficult will strengthen us. He will win. Our part is to have the faith and renew it daily as we face the enemy or the task. Our part is to act in integrity so His name will be glorified. What “new land” is God calling of you to conquer? Where is He asking you to move in faith despite the practical tangible opposition?
Joshua 10 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Is it not written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.
Joshua 10:13 NASB
Some believe this is an exaggeration or a scientific event (eclipse, etc.). I believe neither. I think it was a miracle from the Lord. Amazingly, it was a prayer from Joshua that was answered to accomplish this unbelievable feat. As I read this, I wondered what was meant by the book of Jashar? The word Jasher actually means “upright.” It seems that this book was a collection of Hebrew songs that were composed in honor of the warriors of Israel who fought in battle. It is possibly mentioned here in Numbers…
Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the LORD, “Waheb in Suphah, And the wadis of the Arnon,
Numbers 21:14 NASB
And again in 2 Samuel…
Then David chanted with this lament over Saul and Jonathan his son, 18 and he told them to teach the sons of Judah the song of the bow; behold, it is written in the book of Jashar. 19 “Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How have the mighty fallen!
2 Samuel 1:17-19 NASB
The power of this story is amazing and it surely lived on in Israel’s history as a day the Lord destroyed His enemies!