Victory at Gibeon and the Long Day
Joshua 10:1-15
Jos.10.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמע: CONJ
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- צדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לכד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- העי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויחרימה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ליריחו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולמלכה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולמלכה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכי: CONJ
- השלימו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בקרבם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,pl
Parallels
- Josh 6:20-21 (verbal): Joshua 10:1 explicitly compares the destruction of Ai to the earlier destruction of Jericho; Josh 6 records the burning/utter destruction of Jericho and its king, which Joshua 10:1 cites.
- Josh 8:24-29 (verbal): Joshua 10:1 refers to Joshua's capture and destruction of Ai; Josh 8 provides the detailed account of Ai's defeat and the treatment of its king and city.
- Josh 9:3-15; 9:27 (verbal): Joshua 10:1 notes that the people of Gibeon 'made peace with Israel and were among them'—this refers directly to the Gibeonite deception and treaty in Josh 9 and their subsequent status under Israel (see v.27).
- Judges 4:2-3 (thematic): The motif of Canaanite kings (or their commanders) opposing Israel after Israel's victories appears here as well: Jabin king of Hazor and his oppression/conflict with Israel parallels the regional kings' reaction in Josh 10:1, where local rulers band together against Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Adoni‑zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it, just as he had done to Jericho and its king—so he had done to Ai and its king—and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them,
- When Adoni‑zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it—as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king—and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them,
Jos.10.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וייראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מאד: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאחת: ADV
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הממלכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וכי: CONJ
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- העי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אנשיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- גברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 9:3-15 (structural): Gibeon appears earlier in the narrative as a prominent city that makes treaty with Israel; this background explains why the Gibeonites’ status and fate provoke hostility from neighboring kings.
- Joshua 8:28-29 (verbal): The destruction of Ai is narrated there; Joshua 10:2 explicitly compares Gibeon’s size and strength to Ai (saying Gibeon was greater), so Joshua 8 provides the point of comparison.
- Joshua 10:3-5 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: these verses describe the coalition of Amorite kings who mobilize against Gibeon because of its alliance with Israel, showing the consequence of Gibeon’s importance and military capacity.
- 2 Samuel 21:1-9 (thematic): A later episode involving the Gibeonites (their grievance over Saul’s massacre) reflects Gibeon’s continued distinct identity and significance among Israel’s neighbors and within Israelite history.
Alternative generated candidates
- he was very afraid, for Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and greater than Ai; and all its men were warriors.
- he was greatly afraid, for Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and it was greater than Ai; all its men were valiant.
Jos.10.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- צדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הוהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- פראם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ירמות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- יפיע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- לכיש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- דביר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עגלון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Josh.10.1-2 (structural): Immediate narrative context — verses immediately before 10:3 describe Adoni‑zedek's reaction to Gibeon's treaty and set up the sending of envoys; 10:3 continues the same action.
- Josh.11.1-5 (thematic): Similar episode later in Joshua where a Canaanite king (Jabin of Hazor) hears of Israel’s deeds and gathers a coalition of kings to fight Israel; parallels the motif of city‑kings uniting against Israel and lists of allied rulers.
- Josh.9.3 (thematic): Earlier account of Gibeon’s leaders making a treaty with Israel and the wider Canaanite awareness of Israel’s conquests; explains the provocation that prompts Adoni‑zedek’s diplomatic/military response.
- Gen.14.1-12 (thematic): An earlier biblical example of multiple city‑kings forming a coalition and going to war (lists of kings and alliances); thematically parallels the diplomatic/military networking among ancient Near Eastern city‑states.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Adoni‑zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying,
- So Adoni‑zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon:
Jos.10.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עלו: PREP+3ms_suff
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ועזרני: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- ונכה: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- השלימה: VERB,hiph,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 9:3-15 (structural): Background account: Gibeon secures a covenant of peace with Israel by deception—this treaty is the reason the Amorite kings attack Gibeon in 10:4.
- Joshua 10:6 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: after Gibeon is attacked, the Gibeonites send to Joshua for help, invoking the treaty mentioned in 10:4.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-12 (thematic): Law on offering terms of peace to a city before besieging it; thematically relevant to Gibeon’s acceptance of peace with Israel and the resulting obligation/protection.
- 1 Samuel 11:1-11 (thematic): Saul’s rapid mobilization to relieve the besieged city of Jabesh‑Gilead parallels Israel’s military response to an allied city attacked because of its relation with Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Come up to me and help me; let us strike Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel."
- “Come up to me and help me; let us strike Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the people of Israel.”
Jos.10.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- חמשת: NUM,card,construct
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ירמות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- לכיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עגלון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- מחניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,pl
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילחמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עליה: PREP,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 9:3-15 (structural): Gibeon's diplomatic maneuver and treaty with Israel (they deceive Joshua into making peace), which is the immediate background explaining why the Amorite kings assemble to attack Gibeon in Josh.10:5.
- Joshua 10:1-4 (verbal): The immediately preceding verses name Adoni‑zedek and describe the coalition of kings and their march against Gibeon; Josh.10:5 repeats the gathering of five Amorite kings and their encampment—part of the same narrative sequence and shared phrasing.
- Genesis 14:1-12 (thematic): An earlier story of city‑kings and coalitions in warfare (several kings allied against other city‑kings/regions). Parallels Josh.10 in the motif of multiple kings banding together to fight over city-states.
- Judges 4:1-10 (thematic): Canaanite/near‑eastern rulers form a military coalition against Israel (Jabin and Sisera); thematically parallels the alliance of Amorite kings gathered to besiege Gibeon.
- 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 (thematic): A later account of neighboring kings and nations assembling to make war on Judah (Jehoshaphat); parallels the motif of a multi‑king coalition gathering to besiege a city/land, as in Josh.10:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the five Amorite kings— the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon—assembled and went up with all their troops; they encamped against Gibeon and fought against it.
- Then the five Amorite kings—the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon—assembled, with all their host, and encamped against Gibeon and fought against it.
Jos.10.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגלגלה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אל: NEG
- תרף: VERB,qal,juss,2,m,sg
- ידיך: NOUN,f,pl,cs,2ms
- מעבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,prsfx:2,m,sg,prep
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- מהרה: ADV
- והושיעה: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ועזרנו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg+1pl
- כי: CONJ
- נקבצו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- אלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- כל: DET
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Josh.9:3-15 (structural): Gibeon earlier sought protection from Israel by making a treaty (deception); background for why the Gibeonites now send to Joshua asking for Israelite aid.
- Josh.10:1-5 (structural): Immediate narrative context: a coalition of Amorite kings has gathered against Gibeon, explaining the Gibeonites' urgent plea to Joshua for rescue.
- 1 Sam.11:1-11 (thematic): The city of Jabesh‑Gilead pleads for rescue from Ammonite threat and a national leader (Saul) must mobilize to save it — parallel motif of a threatened city appealing to Israel's military leader for deliverance.
- 1 Sam.23:1-5 (thematic): The inhabitants of Keilah inform David of Philistine attacks and ask for help; David acts to save the town — another instance of a local community besieged calling a charismatic leader to intervene.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp at Gilgal, saying, "Do not let your hand be slack nor your courage fail; come up to us quickly, save us, and help us, for all the Amorite kings who dwell in the hill country have gathered against us."
- The men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp at Gilgal, saying, “Do not hold back your hand from your servants; come up to us quickly, save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country have gathered against us.”
Jos.10.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הגלגל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עם: PREP
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- גבורי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- החיל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 10:8 (structural): Immediate narrative context—God speaks to Joshua and commands action as Joshua rises from Gilgal to engage the enemy.
- Joshua 11:8 (thematic): Joshua again launches a sudden assault on enemy kings and their hosts—parallel military movement of Joshua going up to battle with his warriors.
- Joshua 5:9 (structural): Explains the site Gilgal (the base/camp); connects to the location from which Joshua 'went up.'
- 2 Samuel 23:8 (verbal): Uses the phrase גִּבּוֹרֵי חָיִל ('mighty men of valor'), parallel to the description of the elite warriors (גבורי החיל) accompanying Joshua.
- Judges 4:14 (thematic): Barak's rising and marching with his fighting men to engage Sisera parallels the leader-plus-warriors motif of Joshua rising from Gilgal to battle.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Joshua went up from Gilgal—he and all the fighting men with him, and all the mighty men of valor.
- So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he and all the warriors with him, and all the mighty men of valor.
Jos.10.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- נתתים: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg,obj3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- יעמד: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בפניך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 7:2 (verbal): God promises enemies will be delivered into Israel’s hand—language and promise of divine handing-over echo Joshua’s assurance.
- Exodus 14:13-14 (thematic): Moses tells the people 'Fear ye not' and that the LORD will fight for them—same theme of divine protection and command not to fear.
- 1 Samuel 17:46-47 (verbal): David declares that the LORD will deliver the Philistine into Israel’s hand; shares the same wording and confidence in God’s deliverance.
- Deuteronomy 20:4 (thematic): The promise that 'the LORD your God goes with you, to fight for you' parallels the assurance that God gives Joshua of victory over enemies.
- Joshua 1:9 (structural): God’s command to Joshua 'be strong and of good courage; be not afraid' functions similarly to the present divine exhortation not to fear and the assurance of divine support.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for I have given them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you."
- And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hand. Not one of them shall stand before you.”
Jos.10.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פתאם: ADV
- כל: DET
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- הגלגל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Josh.8:10-11 (verbal): Joshua conducts a sudden nocturnal maneuver against Ai—rising by night and surprising the enemy—paralleling the sudden nighttime action described in Josh 10:9.
- Judg.7:19-22 (thematic): Gideon’s night attack on the Midianite camp produces panic and rout; thematically similar to a surprise nocturnal assault that throws the enemy into confusion and flight.
- 2 Kgs.7:6-7 (thematic): The Syrians lift the siege and flee in the night after being struck by terror, a thematic parallel of a night rout and sudden collapse of enemy resistance.
- 1 Sam.14:20-23 (thematic): Jonathan’s and Saul’s operations lead to a surprise, rout, and pursuit of the Philistines—another example of effective nocturnal or sudden assault producing panic and flight.
Alternative generated candidates
- Joshua came upon them suddenly by night, having gone up from Gilgal.
- Joshua came upon them suddenly all that night, and they went up from Gilgal.
Jos.10.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהמם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- בגבעון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וירדפם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעלה: VERB,qal,ptcp,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חורן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויכם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- עזקה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- מקדה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Josh.10.11 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode (the hail/sun standing still); repeats divine intervention and the rout of the Amorites on the Beth‑Horon road.
- Josh.11.9 (thematic): Another report of Yahweh routing enemy kings and Joshua pursuing and striking them down—parallels the pattern of divine dismay of foes and pursuit to decisive victories.
- 1 Sam.14.15 (verbal): Describes the LORD throwing the Philistines into panic/trembling during battle ('trembling'/'dismay'), a similar language and theological motif of God discomfiting Israel’s enemies.
- Judg.4.15 (thematic): In the Deborah/Barak narrative Yahweh discomfits Sisera’s army and Israel pursues and routs them—parallel motif of divine-caused confusion and subsequent pursuit/slaughter.
- Exod.14.24 (thematic): At the Red Sea the LORD troubles the Egyptian host (causing panic and defeat); an earlier paradigm of God confounding enemies that Joshua 10:10 echoes.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel and struck them a great blow at Gibeon; they chased them along the road that goes up to Beth‑Horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.
- And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel and struck them with a great blow at Gibeon; they fled along the road that goes up to Beth‑Horon, and Joshua struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.
Jos.10.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בנסם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- מפני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- במורד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חורן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השליך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- אבנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- גדלות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- מן: PREP
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עד: PREP
- עזקה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- וימתו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- באבני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הברד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאשר: PREP+REL
- הרגו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 9:23-25 (verbal): Plague of hail on Egypt—'hail and fire' from heaven striking the people—parallels Joshua's 'great stones from heaven' as a divine, meteorological weapon against enemies.
- 1 Samuel 7:10 (thematic): When Israel pursued the Philistines 'the LORD thundered upon the Philistines, and discomfited them'—a similar motif of God intervening in battle by storm/thunder to rout foes.
- 2 Kings 19:35 (cf. Isaiah 37:36) (thematic): The angel of the LORD strikes down a vast number of Assyrian soldiers in one night—an instance where divine action, not human arms, brings about mass death, paralleling the heavenly stones in Joshua.
- 2 Samuel 22:8-16 (cf. Psalm 18:8-16) (allusion): Theophanic language—thunder, coals/hail, arrows sent from God—uses cosmic/storm imagery as God's weapons, echoing Joshua's depiction of stones sent from heaven.
Alternative generated candidates
- As they fled before Israel, while they were on the descent of Beth‑Horon, the LORD hurled great hailstones from heaven upon them to Azekah; and more of them died from the hailstones than the Israelites killed with the sword.
- As they fled before Israel, while they were descending Beth‑Horon, the LORD cast down large hailstones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; more of them died from the hailstones than the Israelites put to the sword.
Jos.10.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אז: ADV
- ידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ביום: PREP
- תת: VERB,qal,inf
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לפני: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בגבעון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דום: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- וירח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בעמק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אילון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Habakkuk 3:11 (verbal): Habakkuk describes the sun and moon ‘standing still’ (or ceasing) at God's appearing — language and imagery closely parallel Joshua’s report that the sun and moon were halted.
- Isaiah 38:8 (verbal): Hezekiah’s sign: God makes the shadow on the sundial go back ten steps — another account of miraculous reversal/alteration of celestial time, using similar motif of heavenly bodies and signs.
- 2 Kings 20:9-11 (thematic): Parallel narrative to Isaiah 38:8 (Hezekiah’s sign) where the shadow is made to retreat — thematically related as another instance of God intervening in the sun’s/ shadow’s course.
- Judges 5:20 (thematic): Deborah and Barak’s song depicts celestial bodies fighting from heaven and stars acting against enemies — echoes the motif of heavenly bodies participating in Israel’s battles and divine intervention from the skies.
- Joel 2:31 (allusion): Joel (and Acts 2:20 in Peter’s quotation) speaks of the sun turned to darkness and moon to blood — uses cosmic signs to signal divine action and judgment, thematically resonant with Joshua’s miraculous celestial phenomena.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Joshua spoke to the LORD on the day the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, "Sun, stand still at Gibeon; and you, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon."
- Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD gave the Amorites over to the people of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon; and you, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon.”
Jos.10.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- השמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וירח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- יקם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- גוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
- הלא: PART
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- כתובה: ADJ,ptcp,qal,f,sg
- על: PREP
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הישר: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- השמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בחצי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ולא: CONJ
- אץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- כיום: ADV
- תמים: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Habakkuk 3:11 (verbal): Habakkuk’s theophany uses nearly the same language about the sun and moon standing still in their habitation—an apparent literary allusion to the Joshua event or to the same traditional motif of celestial bodies halting for divine action.
- 2 Kings 20:9-11 (cf. Isaiah 38:8) (allusion): Hezekiah’s sign: God makes the shadow on the sundial go backward—another biblical episode in which the normal motion of the sun is miraculously altered, thematically echoing Joshua’s halted sun.
- Genesis 1:14-18 (thematic): Creation account establishing the sun and moon as heavenly lights governing day and night; Joshua’s miracle involves divine authority over those lights and the suspension of their ordained roles.
- Judges 5:20-21 (thematic): Deborah and Barak’s song depicts celestial forces (stars/heavens) fighting on Israel’s behalf. Both passages portray the cosmos participating in Israel’s military victory, linking cosmic phenomena with battlefield deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of the Upright? The sun stood still in the midst of heaven and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.
- And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged itself on its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stood still in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to go down for about a whole day.
Jos.10.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כיום: ADV
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואחריו: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לשמע: INF,qal,infc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נלחם: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.14.14 (verbal): Contains the near-identical declaration that 'the LORD will fight for you,' paralleling Joshua's claim that the LORD fought for Israel.
- Deut.20.4 (verbal): Affirms the same theological idea—'the LORD your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you'—echoing Joshua's statement of divine warfare on Israel's behalf.
- 1 Sam.17.47 (thematic): David's proclamation that 'the battle is the LORD's' parallels Joshua's emphasis that victory came because the LORD fought for Israel rather than by human means.
- Ps.44.3 (thematic): Attributes Israel's successes to God's arm rather than to the people's sword—matching Joshua's claim that the LORD fought for Israel and intervened decisively.
- 2 Kgs.20.5 (allusion): God's response to Hezekiah—'I have heard thy prayer'—parallels the unusual note in Joshua that the LORD hearkened to the voice of a man, highlighting divine response to human petition.
Alternative generated candidates
- There was no day like that before it or after it, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, for the LORD fought for Israel.
- There was no day like that before it or after it, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.
Jos.10.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגלגלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Josh.4:19 (verbal): Same verb and location: after Israel crosses the Jordan they 'encamped in Gilgal'—establishes Gilgal as the army's camp/baselocation prior to later movements.
- Josh.5:9-10 (structural): Gilgal functions as Israel's principal camp and ritual center (circumcision, Passover) after entry into Canaan—context for Joshua's return to Gilgal in 10:15.
- Josh.10:12-14 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the miraculous prolonging of the day to secure victory precedes the statement that Joshua and all Israel returned to the camp at Gilgal.
- 1 Sam.17:52 (verbal): After David's victory over Goliath the text likewise says the men of Israel 'returned to the camp'—a verbal and thematic parallel linking battlefield success with the army's return to its camp.
- Judg.7:21-22 (thematic): Gideon's surprise rout of the enemy (divine intervention, panic, rout) parallels Joshua's battlefield deliverance and the subsequent reassembly/return of Israel to its encampment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joshua and all Israel with him returned to the camp at Gilgal.
- Then Joshua returned with all Israel to the camp at Gilgal.
When Adoni‑zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and had destroyed it, as he had done to Jericho and its king—so he had done to Ai and its king—and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them,
he was very afraid, for Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were warriors. So Adoni‑zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, to Piram king of Jarmuth, to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying,
“Come up to me and help me; let us strike Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.”
Then the five Amorite kings—the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon—gathered, with all their hosts; they encamped against Gibeon and fought against it. And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, “Do not hold back your hand from your servants; come up to us quickly, save us, and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country have gathered against us.” So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the valiant warriors. And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.”
Joshua came upon them suddenly that night; he marched up from Gilgal.
The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who struck them with a great slaughter at Gibeon and pursued them by the way of the ascent of Beth‑horon, striking them as far as Azekah and Makkedah. And it came to pass, as they fled before Israel, while going down the ascent of Beth‑horon, that the LORD hurled large stones from heaven upon them as far as Azekah; and they died by the hailstones—more of them died from the hailstones than the Israelites had slain with the sword.
Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered the Amorites into the hand of Israel; and Joshua said before Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and Moon, in the valley of Ayalon.” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged itself on its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of the Upright? The sun stood still in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to go down for about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, when the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel.
Then Joshua and all Israel with him returned to the camp at Gilgal.