Joshua 10

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the king of Jerusalem, Adoni-zedek, forming an alliance with other kings to attack the Gibeonites, who had made a treaty with the Israelites. Joshua and the Israelites come to the aid of the Gibeonites, and God gives them a great victory, even causing the sun to stand still in the sky. The Israelites then go on to conquer several other cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir. Throughout the chapter, God is shown to be the one who gives the Israelites victory, and Joshua is portrayed as a faithful and obedient leader who trusts in God's power.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, which is described in the book of Joshua. The Israelites have been given the promise of the land by God, and they are now in the process of taking possession of it. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and His plan of salvation. The events of this chapter are a reminder of God's power and authority, and of His desire to bless and protect His people.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's power and authority. We are called to be faithful and obedient, just like Joshua, and to trust in God's ability to give us victory over our enemies. We are also reminded of the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness, and of trusting in His promises for the future.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the Israelites conquering the southern kingdoms of Canaan with God's help. God fights for them and gives them victory, and the sun even stands still in the sky to help them. This shows that God is powerful and will help His people when they trust in Him, as seen in Joshua 10:12-14.

Voices from the Church

“The sun stood still, but the Lord's mercy never stands still. It is always moving, always working, always blessing His people.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The miracle of the sun standing still is a reminder of the power and authority of God. It is a call to trust in Him, and to obey His commands.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Alliance Against the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:1-5) — The king of Jerusalem forms an alliance with other kings to attack the Gibeonites, who had made a treaty with the Israelites.
2. The Israelites Come to the Aid of the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:6-15) — Joshua and the Israelites come to the aid of the Gibeonites, and God gives them a great victory.
3. The Conquest of the Southern Kingdoms (Joshua 10:16-43) — The Israelites go on to conquer several other cities, including Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir.
4. The List of Conquered Kings (Joshua 10:28-42) — The chapter concludes with a list of the kings who were conquered by the Israelites, and a reminder of God's power and authority.
5. Conclusion (Joshua 10:43) — The chapter concludes with Joshua returning to the camp at Gilgal, and a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He is the one who gives victory to His people.

The Importance of Faith and Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and authority, and of obeying His commands.

The Power of Prayer

The chapter shows the power of prayer, as Joshua prays to God for help and God answers his prayer.

The Miracles of God

The chapter describes the miracle of the sun standing still, which is a reminder of God's power and authority.

Lessons from Joshua 10

1. Trust in God's Power — This chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and authority, and to have faith that He will give us victory over our enemies.
2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, and of trusting in His power and authority.
3. The Power of Prayer — The chapter shows the power of prayer, as Joshua prays to God for help and God answers his prayer.
4. The Miracles of God — The chapter describes the miracle of the sun standing still, which is a reminder of God's power and authority.
5. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness to His people, and of His desire to bless and protect them.

Themes from Joshua 10

1. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He is the one who gives victory to His people.
2. The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and authority, and of obeying His commands.
3. The Power of Prayer — The chapter shows the power of prayer, as Joshua prays to God for help and God answers his prayer.
4. The Miracles of God — The chapter describes the miracle of the sun standing still, which is a reminder of God's power and authority.
5. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness to His people, and of His desire to bless and protect them.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does this chapter teach us about the sovereignty of God?
2. How does Joshua's faith and obedience contribute to the Israelites' victory?
3. What is the significance of the miracle of the sun standing still?
4. How does this chapter relate to the broader biblical narrative?
5. What are some ways in which we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Joshua 10

	Sermon	Description
	Jehovah-Nissi by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for God and wanting to know who He is. The message is part of a series of eight or nine messages. The speaker enc
	The Judgment Day by Jonathan Edwards	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the last trumpet and the resurrection of the dead. He explains that God sent forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet
	The Day the Sun Stood Still by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle against the five powerful kings. The preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences
	Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte
	(Through the Bible) Joshua 9-16 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker addresses a popular but false story about NASA scientists discovering a missing day in time. He emphasizes that this story is not factual and has no bas
	Robert Murray Mccheyne by Thomas Martin	In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a church that started praying fervently for the work of God, for backslidden members, and for individuals. One man's simple prayer,
	New Covenant - the Root of Sin - Part 4 by Zac Poonen	This sermon from 2 Peter chapter 1 emphasizes God's divine power that provides everything needed for a godly life, likening our bodies to the land of Canaan where no giants should
	Let No Enemy Find Safety by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of not allowing any enemy, whether internal struggles or external forces, to find safety in our lives. It encourages believers to be separated
	Message 10 by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to be proactive in their faith and to share the message of God with others. They mention that they have free books available for
	A Covenant That Covers by William Carrol	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of making bad decisions and how they can become a part of our lives. He uses the analogy of being hewers of wood and drawers of w

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 10

In this chapter, we see the Lord fighting for Israel, giving them a great victory over their enemies. The sun stands still in the sky, a miracle that highlights God's power and authority. The Israelites are reminded to trust in God's power and to obey His commands, and they are given the land as an inheritance. The chapter is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, and of His desire to bless and protect them. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord's time is the best time; and when we are in the way of our duty, we may trust God with our safety.' (Joshua 10:14) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?