Old Testament
Joshua 10:12
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On the day when the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD. In front of all Israel, he said, 'Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and Moon, stop over the valley of Aijalon!'
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Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
What Joshua 10:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, calls upon God during a crucial battle against the Amorites. He commands the sun and moon to stand still, seeking more daylight to complete the victory. This extraordinary request demonstrates Joshua's faith in God's power and his desire for divine intervention. The context shows that the Israelites were fighting for their land, and Joshua believed that with God's help, they could achieve a decisive victory. The miracle of the sun standing still is a testament to God's sovereignty over nature and His willingness to respond to the prayers of His faithful servants. This event highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God during challenging times, as well as the belief that God can intervene in the natural order to fulfill His purposes. Joshua's boldness in asking for such a miracle reflects a deep trust in God's ability to provide what is needed for His people to succeed.
How to apply Joshua 10:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to have bold faith in our prayers, trusting that God can intervene in our circumstances. When facing challenges, we should not hesitate to ask God for help, believing that He has the power to change situations for our good.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10:1–15)
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Joshua
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Joshua 10:12
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 10:12 mean?
Joshua 10:12 describes a moment when Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, asks God to make the sun and moon stand still during a battle against the Amorites. This request reflects his faith in God's power to help them achieve victory.
What is the significance of the sun standing still in Joshua 10:12?
The sun standing still in Joshua 10:12 signifies God's control over nature and His willingness to respond to the prayers of His people. It highlights the importance of faith and divine intervention in achieving success.
What does Joshua's command to the sun and moon show?
Joshua's command to the sun and moon shows his deep faith in God's power and his leadership in seeking divine help for his people. It emphasizes the belief that God can intervene in extraordinary ways.
How can we apply Joshua 10:12 to our lives?
We can apply Joshua 10:12 by having bold faith in our prayers, trusting that God can intervene in our challenges. It encourages us to ask for help and believe in God's power to change our circumstances.
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