Topical Bible: Day: Artificial, the Time of the Sun's Continuance Above The

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In biblical terms, the concept of "day" is often understood as the period during which the sun is visible in the sky, marking the division between light and darkness. However, the Bible also presents instances where the natural order of day and night is supernaturally altered, creating what can be termed as an "artificial day."

One of the most notable examples of an artificial extension of daylight is found in the book of Joshua. During the battle at Gibeon, Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still to allow the Israelites more time to achieve victory over their enemies. The account in Joshua 10:12-14 states: "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. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 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."

This miraculous event underscores the sovereignty of God over creation, demonstrating His ability to intervene in the natural order for the fulfillment of His purposes. The extension of daylight in this instance was not merely a natural phenomenon but a divine act that served to accomplish God's will for His people.

The concept of an artificial day also reflects the biblical theme of God's control over time and seasons. In Genesis 1:14-18, God establishes the celestial bodies to govern the day and night, setting them as signs for seasons, days, and years. Yet, as seen in Joshua's account, God is not bound by the natural cycles He created. His authority transcends the regular patterns of time, allowing Him to manipulate them according to His divine plan.

Throughout Scripture, the manipulation of time and natural elements serves as a testament to God's omnipotence and His intimate involvement in the affairs of humanity. The artificial extension of the day in Joshua's time is a powerful reminder of God's ability to alter the course of history in response to the prayers and needs of His people.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of day and night often symbolizes the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil. The artificial extension of daylight in Joshua's battle can be seen as a metaphor for the triumph of divine light over the forces of darkness, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.

In summary, the artificial extension of the day as recorded in the book of Joshua is a unique biblical event that highlights God's supreme power over creation and His willingness to intervene in extraordinary ways to fulfill His purposes. This event serves as a profound illustration of God's responsiveness to human prayer and His commitment to the victory of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:39,40
That which was torn of beasts I brought not to you; I bore the loss of it; of my hand did you require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 4:21,22
So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Greek Plagiarism from the Hebrews.
... The Stoics, accordingly, define nature to be artificial fire, advancing ... "For now
for a long time they abstain ... "The first, and fourth, and seventh day were held ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv greek plagiarism from the.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... more trustworthy than any of these artificial conclusions, namely ... all round at one
and the same time by the ... when evil shall have been some day annihilated in ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... off, for he died on the 27th day of the ... energetic, without any superfluous ornament,
or the artificial graces of ... the lowest seat," at the same time that others ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm