Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Sun Stands Still

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The concept of armies marching in ranks is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing order, discipline, and divine intervention in battles. One of the most remarkable instances of divine intervention in the context of military engagement is the event where the sun stands still, as recorded in the Book of Joshua.

Biblical Account: Joshua 10:12-14

The narrative of the sun standing still is found in Joshua 10:12-14. During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua led the Israelites against a coalition of Amorite kings. As the battle raged, Joshua prayed for divine assistance to ensure a complete victory. The Berean Standard Bible records Joshua's plea: "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies" (Joshua 10:12-13).

This miraculous event allowed the Israelites to continue their pursuit and defeat of the Amorite forces without the hindrance of nightfall. The text emphasizes the uniqueness of this event: "There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel" (Joshua 10:14).

Theological Significance

The event of the sun standing still is significant for several reasons. It underscores the sovereignty of God over creation, demonstrating His ability to alter the natural order to fulfill His purposes. This miracle also highlights God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people, providing them with victory in accordance with His covenant promises.

From a military perspective, the orderly march of the Israelite army, under divine guidance, reflects the importance of discipline and faith in achieving success. The Israelites' reliance on God's intervention rather than solely on their military prowess serves as a testament to the power of faith and obedience.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, celestial bodies were often associated with deities and divine powers. The halting of the sun and moon would have been perceived as a profound demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over other gods and cosmic forces. This event would have reinforced the Israelites' understanding of their God as the one true God, capable of controlling the universe.

Interpretations and Debates

The account of the sun standing still has been the subject of various interpretations and debates. Some scholars view it as a literal historical event, while others suggest it may be a poetic or symbolic description of God's intervention. Regardless of the interpretation, the passage remains a powerful illustration of divine power and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Conclusion

The account of the sun standing still during the Israelites' battle against the Amorites is a profound example of God's intervention in human history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and the belief in God's ability to accomplish His purposes through His chosen people.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 10:11-14
And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven on them to Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Missionary Hymns.
... claim to be known "where'er the sun" etc., for ... Words and music together, the piece
ranks with the ... Beneath the glowing arch The ransomed armies march, We follow ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

The Captain of the Lord's Host
... over the ruined rubbish Christ's soldiers will march and take ... if we humbly take service
in His ranks, and ask ... all who follow Him amongst 'the armies of Heaven ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the captain of the lords.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... frequently heard from every fife in the New England ranks. ... the marching chorus of
the Federal armies of the ... Keller was born at Ulm, Wurtemberg, March 20, 1813. ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

Christ Triumphant
... See how countless their armies, and how fierce their ... Silently at first he permits
their ranks to break upon him ... Mark the heroes as they march along the golden ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers
... how, on many a well-fought field, the ranks of Rome ... His head, rides at the head of
the armies of heaven ... of an army through the dust of the march, the outriders ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heavenly workers and the.htm

A New Year's Benediction
... hoping that we shall be well-rooted if no March winds have ... tyrants to scorn, and
have put to flight the armies of aliens ... Not always shall we fight in the ranks. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a new years benediction.htm

His Own Funeral Sermon
... of them, seeing he had defied the armies of the ... spaces that death's arrows continue
to make in our ranks. ... The Sword and the Trowel for March will contain an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/his own funeral sermon.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... Henry Hedge, DD, born in Cambridge, March 1805, a ... morning, with the Bohemian and
Austrian armies of Emperor ... he was kept too busy to enter the singers' ranks. ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm

Papal Tombs.
... latter, we are told that he died on March 12 of ... beyond us the generals who led the
Roman armies to the ... the middle of the following century, and ranks next in ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter v papal tombs.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... army, and who traversed, both in their march and in ... Mohammedan power was extended
by these armies, which till ... according to the closeness of the ranks, and the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm