Question 1

What was happening when the five Amorite kings attacked Gibeon?

Accepted Answer

The five Amorite kings attacked Gibeon because Gibeon had made peace with Israel and joined them. After Jericho and Ai fell, fear spread through the land, and Adoni-zedec, king of Jerusalem, saw Gibeon’s treaty as a serious threat. Gibeon was a large, important city with strong warriors, so its defection shook the other kings. Instead of seeking peace with God’s people, they joined forces to punish Gibeon and try to stop Israel. This shows how those who turn toward God can quickly face anger and pressure from those who resist Him.

Question 2

Why did Joshua go to help the Gibeonites even though they had deceived Israel?

Accepted Answer

Joshua went to help the Gibeonites because Israel had made a covenant with them. Even though Gibeon had gained that covenant by trickery earlier, Joshua knew a promise before God had to be kept. When Gibeon cried out for help, calling themselves Israel’s servants, Joshua gathered his warriors and marched all night from Gilgal. By doing this, he showed that faithfulness means standing by those under your care, even when it is costly or awkward. God then confirmed this choice by telling Joshua not to fear and by giving victory.

Question 3

What does it mean that God fought for Israel in this battle?

Accepted Answer

The passage shows God fighting for Israel in several clear ways. He first speaks to Joshua and promises that not one of the enemies will stand. As Israel attacks, God throws down great hailstones from heaven so that more of the enemy die from the hail than from Israel’s swords. Then, in answer to Joshua’s bold prayer, God makes the sun and moon stand still so Israel has more time to defeat their foes. All this makes it plain that the victory did not come from Israel’s strength alone but from God acting on their behalf.

Question 4

Why did Joshua ask the sun and moon to stand still, and what happened?

Accepted Answer

Joshua asked the sun over Gibeon and the moon over the valley of Ajalon to stand still so Israel could finish the battle before their enemies escaped into their cities. He prayed this in faith during the fight, trusting God’s promise of victory. God answered in a unique way: the sun did not hurry to go down for about a whole day, and the moon stayed as well. The passage says there was no day like it before or after, when God listened to a man in such a way, showing that the Lord Himself was fighting for Israel.

Question 5

What is the meaning of Joshua telling the captains to put their feet on the kings’ necks?

Accepted Answer

When the five kings were brought out of the cave, Joshua called the commanders and told them to put their feet on the kings’ necks. This act was a sign of complete defeat of the enemy. Joshua used this moment to encourage his men, telling them not to fear or be dismayed but to be strong and courageous. He said this is how the Lord would treat all their enemies. It was meant to strengthen Israel’s faith that God would keep helping them and that no enemy could finally stand against His purpose.

Question 6

Why is the sun standing still a difficult part of this passage for some readers?

Accepted Answer

The sun and moon standing still can be hard for some readers because it describes a miracle that affects all creation. People have wondered exactly how it happened. Some see it as a direct pause in the normal movement of the heavens, others think of it as special language to show an unusually long day or God giving extra light. The passage itself is clear on the main point: Joshua prayed, God answered in an unmatched way, and the result was that Israel had enough time to defeat their enemies, showing God’s power over nature.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s promises and human effort?

Accepted Answer

This chapter holds both truths together. God clearly promises Joshua, “I have delivered them into your hand,” and then proves it through hailstones and a lengthened day. At the same time, Joshua does not sit still. He marches all night, plans a surprise attack, keeps pressing the battle, and follows through by taking the cities. The story shows that trusting God does not mean doing nothing. God’s sure word should move His people to act with courage and energy, knowing that their labor is joined to His power.

Question 8

How can the story of Joshua helping Gibeon guide believers today?

Accepted Answer

Joshua’s help for Gibeon points to the duty to keep our word and care for those who have sought shelter among God’s people. Even though the Gibeonites had a messy past with Israel, they were now under Israel’s protection. Joshua risked much to defend them because of the covenant. For believers today, this teaches that loyalty is not just a feeling but real action for the weak and threatened. It also encourages turning quickly to God and His appointed help when we are in trouble, as the Gibeonites did.

Joshua 10:1

Now it came to pass, when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;

The Day the Sun Stood Still

The Victory at Makkedah

Conquest of the Southern Cities

The Day the Sun Stood Still

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Joshua 10:1

Now it came to pass, when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;

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The Day the Sun Stood Still

The Victory at Makkedah

Conquest of the Southern Cities

The Day the Sun Stood Still

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