Joshua 10-Reflections

The Sun Stands  Still

Fear can affect us in so many ways. It affects our thinking and when our thinking is affected, our actions or behaviour are also affected. Before the start of this journey, God spoke to Joshua and reminded him in Joshua 1:9 of what he must do:

• Be strong
• Be courageous
• Do not be afraid;
• Do not be discouraged 

WHY?? for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!!
God knew what the journey ahead would look like so he reminded Joshua of what he must do. He knew that the size of the enemy could cause fear in Joshua so he reassures him. In this chapter, five kings heard of the strength, the conquest of Isarel so they decided to join forces to attack Israel through Gibeon.

I like the way,Joshua helped the Gibeonites out even though they tricked them. This would have been a good chance to get out of the vow with Gibeon but no! Joshua stuck to his promise! He helped the Gibeonites and they won the battle.

With the assurance of God's promise in vs 8, 'The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.'
Joshua did not sit back passively and watch but went out and fought! 

Joshua 10: 12-15
'On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:

“Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
    and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 

 So the sun stood still,
    and the moon stopped,
    till the nation avenged itself on its enemies,

as it is written in the Book of Jashar.

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!
Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.'

WOW! I had to re-read this part of the chapter. I just thought wow, Joshua was so connected to God that he knew without any shadow of a doubt that his God would be true to His Words! How great and mighty is the God we serve!! He can do the impossible! Joshua knew his God!