Interpretations of Joshua 10: The Sun Stands Still

The discussion around Joshua 10, where Joshua prays for the sun to stand still, brings up various interpretations rooted in ancient Near Eastern contexts. Some scholars, like John Walton, suggest that this request may relate to celestial omens prevalent in the region, proposing that Joshua could have been invoking a divine sign for military advantage. Another viewpoint posits that this instance reflects a prayer against the foreign gods of Canaan, suggesting that the sun and moon's stillness symbolizes their submission to Yahweh. This interpretation is bolstered by passages from Habakkuk, which mention the sun and moon standing still in a context that emphasizes Yahweh’s supremacy over other deities.