Joshua’s Long Day: A Divine Pause in Time
Hello, I’m Richard Kent, and today let’s explore the fascinating account of Joshua’s long day from the book of Joshua 10. This intriguing event unfolded in the midst of a battle, where God performed a miraculous act by stopping the Sun for nearly a day. Join me as we delve into the details of this extraordinary occurrence.
The Scriptural Account: Joshua 10:11
Let’s begin by reading the scripture from Joshua 10, starting at verse 11. As the enemies of Israel fled before them, Joshua spoke to the Lord during the battle. He made a remarkable request, commanding the Sun to stand still upon Gibeon and the moon in the valley of Aijalon. Astonishingly, the Sun obeyed, staying still in the midst of heaven, not hastening to go down for about a whole day.
The Challenge: Understanding the Physics
Now, the question arises: How did this extraordinary event take place? In a world accustomed to scientific explanations, many may seek unconventional answers, such as apparitions or eclipses. However, I stand firmly on the belief that the Bible’s account is true — the Sun and the moon indeed stood still for nearly a day. Let’s confront the challenges posed by this event.
Earth’s Velocity and Spin
The Earth travels through space at approximately 68,000 miles per hour. At the equator, it spins on its axis at 1,068 miles per hour. If the Sun were to stand still, it implies a halt to the entire solar system’s movement. However, this leads to a paradoxical scenario.
The Conundrum of Inertia
Imagine driving in an open-top car at 1,000 miles per hour and the car suddenly stopping. You wouldn’t stop; you’d continue at the same speed. Applying this to Earth’s rotation, if it were to stop, everyone and everything on the planet would be thrust into a colossal windstorm at 1,000 miles per hour.
The Unruly Seas and Restless Magma
The oceans, not tethered to the Earth, would surge out, causing massive tsunamis globally. Meanwhile, the magma at the Earth’s center, accustomed to spinning, would wreak havoc with earthquakes, volcanoes, and molten flows.
The Divine Solution: Stopping Time
In light of these challenges, a miraculous solution emerges — God stopped time itself. This phenomenon, akin to an event horizon, defies scientific explanation. It’s not about the halting of celestial bodies but a divine intervention, a pause in the progression of time for nearly a day.
As we reflect on Joshua’s long day, we stand witness to a supernatural occurrence beyond the grasp of human comprehension. God, in His omnipotence, orchestrated a divine pause, displaying His authority over time and the cosmos.
Thank you for joining me in unraveling this biblical marvel. May the profound truth of Joshua’s long day resonate with you. God bless you.