War against Gibeon by Gustave Doré, Joshua 10:1-15, Bible.Gallery
War against Gibeon created and it was drawn with engraving style.
Artwork Description
Following the triumph over Jericho and Ai, the conquest of Canaan saw Joshua achieve pivotal victories that defined his leadership. Two notable wins stand out: one at Gibeon, against the alliance of tribes and kings in the southern region, and the other at the waters of Merom, against a similar coalition in the north. In both instances, Joshua employed surprise attacks, capitalizing on his attributes of integrity, faith, prayer, and innate military prowess. His resolute decisiveness, swiftness, bravery, foresight, and unwavering determination proved crucial in achieving victory. Joshua's capabilities as a military commander rivaled Moses' capacity as a legislator, showcasing the complementarity of their respective skills and callings.
The initial battle unfolded at Gibeon, where Joshua learned of a coalition of five kings amassed against the city. In a bold night maneuver from Gilgal, he descended upon the adversary with incredible force, resulting in an instantaneous routing of the opposing forces. The overwhelming triumph was accentuated by a fierce hailstorm that inflicted even greater casualties than the victorious army's swords. However, as the pursuit extended into the approaching darkness, the prospects of an interruption in capitalizing on the victory loomed large.
Recognizing the urgency of capitalizing on their advantage, Joshua sought to secure the full benefits of triumph. This led to the remarkable event recounted in the narrative. Inspired by divine guidance, Joshua issued a command for the sun and moon to remain suspended in their positions, an order miraculously obeyed by these celestial bodies. The luminous glow persisted "until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies." The historian aptly notes, "And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man."
Despite the historical event's occasional subject to ridicule or skepticism, such reactions lack justification. The narrative does not necessitate a sudden cessation of Earth's rotational motion. The account adheres to the biblical practice of portraying events based on their observable features. The essential point to grasp is that there was a temporary optical pause of the sun—an extraordinary astronomical occurrence that supernaturally prolonged daylight. This extension facilitated Israel's completion of the enemy's defeat. For the rest of the world, the appearance of the sky remained unchanged. The feasibility of God executing this remarkable miracle is undeniable for those who believe in His existence. Considering the circumstances, the action seems fitting, likely igniting a surge of zeal among the people and significantly contributing to their ultimate success.