Old Testament
Joshua 10:13
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The sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the people had avenged themselves on their enemies. This is written in the book of Jasher. The sun remained in the middle of the sky and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.
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And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
What Joshua 10:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a miraculous event where God intervenes in a battle to help the Israelites. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, prayed for the sun and moon to stop so that they could defeat their enemies without losing daylight. The sun stood still in the sky, allowing the Israelites more time to fight. This event is significant as it demonstrates God's power over nature and His willingness to assist His people in their time of need. The mention of the book of Jasher indicates that this event was recorded in other historical texts, emphasizing its importance. This miracle not only shows God's authority but also serves as a reminder of His faithfulness to those who trust in Him. The extended daylight allowed the Israelites to achieve victory, reinforcing the idea that with God's help, they could overcome seemingly impossible challenges.
How to apply Joshua 10:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's power during our struggles. Just as He provided extra time for the Israelites, He can help us overcome our challenges. We should pray for guidance and strength, believing that God can intervene in our lives when we need it most.
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 10:13
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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 10:13 mean?
Joshua 10:13 describes a miraculous event where God stopped the sun and moon to give the Israelites more time to defeat their enemies. This shows God's power and willingness to help His people during critical moments.
What is the significance of the sun standing still in Joshua 10:13?
The sun standing still signifies God's divine intervention in battle, allowing the Israelites to achieve victory without the limitation of daylight. It highlights God's authority over nature and His support for those who trust in Him.
What does the book of Jasher mentioned in Joshua 10:13 refer to?
The book of Jasher is an ancient text that is referenced in Joshua 10:13 as a historical record of significant events, including the miracle of the sun standing still. Its mention emphasizes the importance of this event in Israel's history.
How does Joshua 10:13 relate to faith and trust in God?
Joshua 10:13 illustrates the theme of faith, showing that when the Israelites trusted God and sought His help, He provided a miraculous solution to their challenge. It encourages believers to rely on God's power in difficult situations.
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