Introduction
The story of Joshua 10 is one of the most miraculous events in Scripture—when the sun stood still in the sky as Joshua led Israel in battle. This astonishing moment foreshadows Jesus, the One through whom all creation exists and who holds all things together (Colossians 1:16-17). Just as Joshua commanded the sun to stop, Jesus demonstrates His supreme authority over creation in the Gospels, calming storms, walking on water, and even reversing death itself. In this post, we will explore how Joshua’s victory at Gibeon prefigures the greater reign of Christ over all things.
1. The Miracle at Gibeon: When the Sun Stood Still
Joshua 10 records a moment in Israel’s conquest of Canaan when five Amorite kings united against Gibeon, a city that had allied with Israel. In response to Gibeon’s plea for help, Joshua and his army marched all night and launched a surprise attack.
As the battle raged, God intervened in two miraculous ways:
- Hailstones from Heaven – God rained down massive hailstones, which killed more of the enemy than the Israelites did with the sword.
- The Sun Stood Still – At Joshua’s request, God made the sun and moon stop in the sky, extending daylight so that Israel could complete the victory.
This divine intervention was unprecedented:
“There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel” (Joshua 10:14, ESV).
This moment reveals God’s power over time and nature, foreshadowing the absolute authority that Jesus would later demonstrate over creation.
2. Jesus: The Greater Joshua Who Rules Over Creation
Joshua’s name in Hebrew (Yehoshua) means “The Lord Saves,” which is the same name given to Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew). The parallels between Joshua and Jesus are striking, but Jesus is the greater fulfillment of what Joshua prefigured.
a) Jesus Has Authority Over the Sun, Moon, and Stars
Joshua asked for the sun to stop, but Jesus is the very One who created the sun and holds it in place. Colossians 1:16-17 declares:
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
While Joshua asked for divine intervention, Jesus does not need to ask—He Himself is the source of power over the cosmos.
b) Jesus Controls Time and Nature
- Jesus calmed the storm with a word (Mark 4:39).
- Jesus walked on water, defying natural laws (Matthew 14:25).
- Jesus multiplied food, bypassing the constraints of time and matter (John 6:1-14).
- Jesus declared, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58), showing His eternal existence outside of time.
While Joshua’s request changed a single day, Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the Lord of all time.
3. The Battle at Gibeon and the Ultimate Victory in Christ
The battle at Gibeon serves as a picture of Christ’s ultimate victory over His enemies.
- God’s direct intervention in battle foreshadows Jesus’ triumph over Satan and sin. Just as God rained down hailstones to defeat the Amorites, Jesus will return to judge His enemies with power (Revelation 19:11-16).
- The extended daylight represents Jesus as the Light of the World. In John 8:12, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness.” Just as the sun shined for an extended time at Joshua’s request, Jesus ensures that His followers walk in everlasting light.
- The five Amorite kings hiding in the cave symbolize the forces of darkness trying to resist God’s judgment. Joshua destroyed them completely, just as Jesus will finally defeat sin, death, and Satan once and for all.
4. Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness Who Reigns Forever
Malachi 4:2 speaks of Jesus as the “Sun of Righteousness” who rises with healing in His wings. While Joshua commanded the sun to stand still, Jesus Himself is the eternal light that never fades. In Revelation 21:23, we read that in the new heavens and new earth:
“The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.”
Joshua’s victory pointed to a temporary conquest, but Jesus’ reign is eternal. He is the One who governs all creation, and His dominion will never end.
Conclusion: Worship the One Who Holds the Universe Together
The miracle of Joshua 10 is a glimpse of the boundless power of Jesus, the true and greater Joshua. He is not just the commander of an army but the King of Kings, the One who speaks and creation obeys.
When we look at the sun, the moon, and the stars, we should be reminded that Jesus is not only their Creator but their sustainer. He is the One who commands the sun to shine, who governs time itself, and who reigns over all things.
May we place our trust in Jesus, the One who is before all things and in whom all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).
