As miracles occurred, the miracle of when the day the earth stood still is one of the most spectacular. One author thought it appropriate to list it with two other major events in Israel’s conquest of the land of Canaan to that point in time (i.e., the parting of the Jordan and the falling walls of Jericho).
Joshua saw what appeared to be insurmountable odds—his army versus the armies of five kings. In prayer, he asked God to deliver them from their enemies (Joshua 10:12). In answer to Joshua’s prayer, God caused the sun and the moon to stand still. In more accurate terms, the earth ceased its rotation.
Although we cannot be sure why Joshua prayed this prayer, we can know that it was granted. Joshua, by the power of God, was able to defeat his enemies.
Skeptics challenge the miracle and say it is impossible for the earth to survive such an event. They claim that the initial stop of the earth would catapult the inhabitants through the air. What the skeptics fail to realize is that the same God that parted the Jordan and caused the Jericho walls to fall is the same God who performed this miracle.
Causing the earth to stand still is without a doubt an extraordinary feat. The record even shows that this event caused a severe ice storm to fall on the enemy (hail, Joshua 10:10–11). Scientists have concluded that an event of this nature would cause dramatic temperature changes.
This event should not be a huge dilemma for those who trust in God. Throughout the ages, He stepped in to help His people. In just about every Old Testament book, God saved His people so that the Seed (Jesus Christ) could come, saying that He would do this, “For My Name’s Sake”(found 30 times in Bible).
The entire New Testament proclaims the power and glory of God, wrought by miracles, signs and wonders, all pointing to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In the light of the revelation of God to mankind, this miracle should serve to strengthen our faith by showing that God will overcome our enemies.
We, through the power of prayer, have a direct avenue to the throne of the Almighty whose power is without end. Since God created the universe, then who are we to say He cannot stop it for His purpose or even destroy it some day according to His will?
