024. Sun And Moon Stand Still, In Answer To Prayer.

Sun And Moon Stand Still, In Answer To Prayer.

Joshua 10:12. The sin of Achan having been signally punished, God directs Joshua to renew the attack upon Ai, which soon falls under the power of Israel. The destruction of two cities, of so much importance as Jericho and Ai, naturally occasions great apprehension among the Amorites—a name given to several tribes in that vicinity. This apprehension is, also, soon, in no small degree, increased, by the news of an alliance between the inhabitants of Gibeon and Joshua. Pressed with the necessity of immediate measures to secure themselves against invasion, the five Amorite kings combine, and commence offensive operations by an attack on Gibeon. The latter, taking advantage of their recent alliance with the Israelites, forthwith communicate to Joshua the dangers which environ them, and beg immediate succor.

Joshua is directed to hasten to their assistance, and receives the divine assurance that success shall attend his arms. Yet, we find him neglecting no prudent means of effecting his object. By a military stratagem, he surprises the Amorite kings, and their confederate army. The attack is successful, and a most signal slaughter of the enemy ensues. Their ranks are broken. They are put to flight—taking opposite courses; some attempting to escape north, to Beth Horon, and others south, to Azekah, and Makkedah. At this juncture, God interposes, to make the destruction of these idolaters more complete: a tempest of hail stones is supernaturally employed, by which more perish than are slain by the sword. The day was now declining, and still the enemy were not entirely destroyed. The Israelitish forces were pressing on— strong—spirited — determined. But Joshua perceived that night would shut in ere the entire work was accomplished. What more could he do? What expedient adopt, to destroy he remaining cohorts of the army of idolaters? He turned is thoughts to God. It was his cause. They were fighting for him and his glory. He was a prayer-hearing God. Suddenly, the important expedient occurs to him—doubtless divinely suggested—and, the next moment, we behold him prostrate before the footstool;

——with his temple bare, And hands uplifted to the sky, he prays:

‘God of this people, hear! and let the sun Stand upon Gibeon still; and let the moon Rest in the vale of Ajalon!’ He ceased;

And, lo! the moon sits motionless, and earth Stands on her axis, indolent. The sun Pours the unmoving column of his rays In undiminish’d heat: the hours stand still; The shade hath stopped upon the dial’s face.

* * * * * On with thy armies, Joshua! The Lord God of Sabbath is the avenger now:

* * * * * On! till the avenging swords have drunk the blood Of all Jehovah’s enemies; and till Thy banners, in returning triumph wave. (J. B. Van Schaick.)

Although nothing is said in the sacred narrative of a direct prayer to Jehovah — at least, no form of words is given—yet, it is apparent that a solemn and fervent appeal to Jehovah preceded the command of Joshua to the orbs of heaven; and, in this opinion, we are strengthened by the declaration of the historian, Joshua 10:14, “that there was no day like that before it, or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man,” etc. The sense of which doubtless is, that never before, for such a purpose, had God listened to the prayer of an individual; for, oft-times, Moses had prevailed with God, in relation to miracles of great magnitude, but never before had God hearkened to the voice of man, to alter so signally the course of nature, or to grant such an illustrious display of his power, in behalf of his people. It might have been a secret prayer; but, whether secret or audible—protracted or momentary—it was a prayer for that which had, probably, never before entered into the heart of man to offer. Moses had converted the river of Egypt into blood; he had brought down hail and fire from the clouds of heaven; he had divided the Red Sea; he had smitten the rock, and brought forth water; but here, the very orbs of heaven, far off, are stopped in their course! Stopped by God, (who performs all miracles,) but at the instance of a worm on his footstool!

Whatever we might wish, we are unable to heighten, by any language of ours, the impression which the simple narrative conveys. The language of Joshua is sublime; but more sublime the wonderful results. The only thing further which we wish to suggest is, that as God has himself prescribed no limit to what, on proper occasions, we may ask, neither should we. We cannot say what faith, even at the present day, might not obtain from God, were it sufficiently strong, and had it purely his glory in view. Certain we are, that the children of God might obtain far greater spiritual blessings than they do, had they a higher faith, and were they more willing to labor for the glory of God. Joshua prays that the sun and moon may stand still, that he may work—work in God’s cause, and to God’s glory. And if good people were as willing to labor “to pull down the strongholds of sin and Satan,” would not God send down his holy Spirit often, in answer to their prayers, and continue the light and blessings of such days, till the whole work should be accomplished? Oh, That we had Joshuas in our days, whose faith would allow them reverently, but efficiently, to say to the Sun of Righteousness, “Stand thou still, over this and that place, till all thine enemies are subdued!” And that day will come. The present puny race of Christians will, by and by, give place to one which will be “strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” They will pray far more; they will plead the promises with glorious efficiency; they will cry, and God will hear; they will agonize, and the blessings asked — all of which will so respect the glory of God, as not to be withheld—the blessings asked, and far more than asked, will come down, as showers that water the earth.

O scenes surpassing fable, and yet true!

Scenes of accomplish’d bliss! which, who can see, Though but in distant prospect, and not feel His soul refresh’d with foretaste of the joy?