Joshua has the Sun Stand Still

www.biblewitness.org, 2021

Joshua's Long Day-An Astronomical Solution "Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day." (Joshua 10:12-13). Popular interpretations regard the standing still of the Sun and Moon as evidence for a hiatus in the mechanics of the solar system, caused either by the miraculous slowing down and stopping of the earth's rotation, or by the arresting of the movements in space of the Sun and Moon for an undefined part of a day. Note also that it would require a tilt or wobble of the ecliptic 1 to maintain both bodies overhead at the latitude of Gibeon and Ajalon which is approximately 31°N. This is 8°n orth of the tropic of Cancer. This latter is the most northerly the sun can reach at midsummer in the northern hemisphere.

The Leofric Missal (late ninth-or early tenth-century French-English) explains that the 'sun stood still' for Joshua at Gibeon because the battle occurred on leap day, precisely when, in the Roman calendar, two consecutive days had the same date. A tenth-century Old English text by AElfric also mentions and critiques this 'priestly' computistical explanation.

An orbital sub-loop of the earth can produce Joshua’s Long Day without any deleterious effects to earth’s environment. Such an event will be hardly noticeable to earth’s inhabitants except for the increased length of the day to some, and the night to others. A similar event can explain the sundial going backwards ten degrees in Hezekiah’s time.

The Miracle of the Sun and Moon in Joshua 10 as a Solar Eclipse, 2019

This paper offers an interpretation of the astronomical phenomenon described in Josh 10:12-13 as an annular solar eclipse. According to NASA data, this type of eclipse was seen in the skies of central Israel, where the ancient city of Gibeon was located, on October 30, 1207 BCE. A philological analysis of both Joshua 10 and Habakkuk 3 shows that the phenomenon is described using polysemic verbs in poetic style, describing the darkening of the sun by the moon "standing" in front of it.

Thear. Appl. Climatal., 41, 81-85 (1990), 1990

“And there has never been a day like it before or since …” Joshua 10:14.

Culture and Cosmos; A Journal of the History of Astrology and Cultural Astronomy, 2019

Humphreys & Waddington have recently suggested that the Biblical account involving Joshua’s control of the sun and moon (Joshua 10. 1-15) was inspired by an annular eclipse. Going by the text as given, it is shown that the explanation as an eclipse, whether annular or total, is unacceptable on calendrical, philological and physical grounds alike. The story’s possible historicity cannot be properly evaluated until it is placed in two cross-cultural and sometimes overlapping contexts: ritual utterances before battle designed to divine the outcome or provoke divine intervention in it and the mythology of solar arrests, reversals and radical alterations of the length of day. ‘Solar magic’ emerges as a common archaic practice in real life as well as legend. Some literary parallels are cited which have never before been linked with Joshua. All things considered, the tale may have originated as an embellished memory of some extraordinary natural event other than an eclipse, coinciding with a historical battle. A tempting possibility is the aerial passage of a fragmenting bolide, producing a meteorite shower and nocturnal illumination. NOTE (not included in the article): An earlier version was rejected for publication in the journal Vetus Testamentum on 12 July 2018 on the curious ground that Humphreys & Waddington's suggestion had not reached the wider public and is so obviously wrong that most readers would not need a detailed refutation of it. Imagine my surprise, then, upon learning that this same journal on 17 January 2020 accepted an article in defence of the eclipse scenario (Vainstub et al.) and had published an advance version of it. The editor who was in charge of reviewing my submission at the time clarified that this latter article had been reviewed by a different editor. While I am not accusing anyone of malfaisance in this matter, it does highlight the randomness of peer review or bias of the journal as a whole. Meanwhile, I congratulate the authors of the rival article with their publication and welcome the discussion.

International Journal of Religious and Cultural, Vol 9, Issue 3, 2024

This study examines Joshua 10:12-13, a passage renowned for its dramatic account of Joshua commanding the sun and moon to stand still. The analysis delves into the text's theological, literary, and historical dimensions, exploring its portrayal of divine sovereignty and intervention. The research considers the original Hebrew language, key terms, and the poetic structure of the passage, as well as variations in translation that influence its interpretation. The discussion also addresses the broader cultural context, particularly in relation to ancient Near Eastern cosmology and religious practices. Furthermore, the reception history of the text is explored, highlighting differing interpretations within Jewish and Christian traditions, ranging from literal to metaphorical readings. This study underscores the passage’s symbolic significance, its role within the narrative of Israel's conquest, and its enduring relevance in theological discourse. Through this multifaceted approach, the study reveals how Joshua 10:12-13 continues to serve as a powerful testament to the themes of divine power and cosmic order within the biblical tradition.

Culture and Cosmos, 2009

The Leofric Missal (late ninth- or early tenth-century French-English) explains that the ‘sun stood still’ for Joshua at Gibeon because the battle occurred on leap day, precisely when, in the Roman calendar, two consecutive days had the same date. A tenth-century Old English text by Ælfric also mentions and critiques this ‘priestly’ computistical explanation.

New Haven : Connecticut- the our race company + The New Alexandria Library of Texas, 1890

Another rare book added to The new Alexandria Library features the realms of theology, astronomy, and historical chronology to present a bold defense of two miraculous events described in the Bible: the "long day" when the sun and moon are said to have halted during Joshua’s battle (Joshua 10:12–14) and the backward movement of the shadow on the Dial of Ahaz (Isaiah 38:8). Totten meticulously applies 19th-century scientific methods, including celestial mechanics, soli-lunar cycles, and eclipse calculations, to argue for the literal historical accuracy of these phenomena. The book is divided into three parts. The first discusses the biblical texts, astronomical principles, and the mechanics of time, offering mathematical justifications for the intercalation of a “missing day” in ancient calendars. The second provides corroborative appendices, referencing ancient texts like the Book of Jasher, and explores the interplay between astronomical cycles and biblical prophecy. The third section focuses on the chronology of world history, harmonizing biblical timelines with secular records, such as those of Babylon and Assyria, to underscore what Totten perceives as a divinely orchestrated historical pattern. Designed for readers from advanced scholars to beginners in theology or astronomy, the book offers both rigorous arguments and accessible summaries. At its core, it is an apologetic work seeking to demonstrate that the Bible’s miraculous accounts are not merely symbolic but align with the observable laws of nature when viewed through the lens of divine providence. Totten's eschatological undertone further elevates the work, linking these celestial events to the unfolding of prophetic history and the impending culmination of human epochs. While modern readers may find Totten’s methods and assumptions rooted in the limitations of his time, the work remains an intriguing example of the 19th-century attempt to synthesize faith and science, offering insights into the era's intellectual landscape. Whether approached for its theological insights, historical interpretations, or astronomical calculations, this book challenges its audience to explore the boundaries between the sacred and the scientific. Contents Preface and Introduction The book begins with a Preface (xi) and an Introduction (xiii), providing the author’s purpose, scope, and methodology in addressing the miraculous events described in the Bible. The Biblical Record This section establishes the scriptural foundation for the discussion, covering The Biblical Record (1), the event of Joshua’s Long Day (5), the phenomenon of The Shadow on the Dial (11), and The Elements as Verified (17), which examines natural elements involved in the described miracles. Part I — Discussion This part delves into the interpretation and scientific analysis of the events. Topics include The Argument (23), Secular Corroboration (25), the Inception of the Problem (27), and the anomaly of the Reference to Moon (31). The section explores The Real Effect of Stoppage (33), Soli-Lunar Cycles (36), and the True Origin of ‘Time’ (37). It also covers The Intercalated Day (38), The Site Unique (41), and concludes with The Battle Described (45) and Without Sunset, No Sunrise (49). Part II — Appendices The appendices provide additional historical and scientific context. They include The Book of Jasher (95), Casual Eclipses (97), Earliest and Latest Eclipse (97), Times and Seasons Changed (101), and Biblical Cycles are All Astronomical (105). Further topics cover Chronological Eras Harmonized (110), Astronomical Forecast (1891–2) (115), Caiaphas and Leo XIII (117), and Judah Homeward Bound (120). Part III — Chronological Appendices This section harmonizes biblical and historical timelines, starting with The Chaldee-Babylonian Era (141) and Preliminary Chronological Outline (143). It discusses the Origin of ‘Times of the Gentiles’ (155), the Chronology of Jeremiah Vindicated (175), with a Preliminary Outline (179) and Chronological Arrangement (187). The section culminates with The End of the Age (201) and The Conclusion of the Matter (209). Tables and Illustrations The book includes detailed tables and charts such as The 176th Metonic Cycle (69), Synchronization of Years (113), Chronology of the Assyrian Empire (141), and Hoshea’s Reign Harmonized (145). The General Chart of the 2,520 Years (215) aligns biblical and secular chronology. Illustrations include The Battle of Beth Horon (Military Map) as a frontispiece and a Diagram of Astronomical Elements (16). Miscellaneous Topics Other subjects discussed are A Military Commentary (82), The Conquest of Palestine (85), Corroborated by Eclipses (97), and Verified by Equinoxes (101). It addresses Shadowed on the Dial (105), Proved from the Almanac (110), The Apologists Arraigned (115), The Sword of Damocles (120), and The True Chronology (141). Additional discussions include Creation’s 6,000 Years (145), Joshua, Christ, Columbus (155), The Key to Chronology (175), and The Week Unbroken (179). It concludes with The End of the Age (201), A Significant Year (205), A Solemn Warning (207), Jewish Irredentalism (215), The Last King of the Franks (217), The Controversy of Zion (220), and A Midnight Cry (225). Tags related to the book- Biblical Events and Themes: Joshua's Long Day, Dial of Ahaz, Old Testament miracles, biblical chronology, solar miracles, moon anomalies, Hebrew history, Book of Jasher, prophetic timekeeping, eschatology, biblical cosmology, Jewish sacred texts, biblical battles, divine intervention, angelic warfare, Israelite conquest, time in the Bible, ancient prophecy, Hebrew kings, Jerusalem history, Messianic prophecy. Astronomical and Scientific Themes: astronomical vindication, intercalated days, celestial mechanics, solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, soli-lunar cycles, Metonic cycles, astronomical anomalies, ancient sky observations, equinoxes, solstices, planetary alignments, ancient almanacs, premodern astronomy, astronomical prophecy, zodiac history, heliacal risings, astronomical timekeeping, seasonal changes, celestial spheres. Historical and Cultural Contexts: Chaldean astronomy, Babylonian calendars, Assyrian history, ancient Near East, Babylonian chronicles, Gentile times, ancient Israelite warfare, Egyptian chronology, Ugaritic texts, Sumerian influence, Hebrew calendars, ancient time reckoning, Phoenician records, ancient Persian history, Akkadian texts, Mesopotamian timelines, Babylonian kings, Zoroastrian timelines, Neo-Assyrian period, biblical archaeology. Chronology and Timekeeping: time harmonization, biblical cycles, creation’s timeline, 6,000-year history, chronological eras, times and seasons, Jeremiah’s chronology, Judean kings, time of the Gentiles, prophetic time spans, precession of the equinoxes, calendar adjustments, ancient time units, Jewish intercalation, Hebrew feast cycles, creation chronology, sacred weeks, Sabbath cycles, ancient chronometry, chronological reconciliation. Theological and Apologetic Themes: biblical inerrancy, divine providence, Old Testament literalism, creationism, scientific creationism, biblical cosmology defense, miracle apologetics, Christian eschatology, biblical miracles explained, prophecy fulfillment, Bible-science harmony, prophetic symbolism, Old Testament apologetics, literal Bible interpretation, typology in scripture, divine time adjustment, miracle legitimacy, God's intervention, theology of time, biblical history. Historical Figures and Texts Referenced: Caiaphas, Leo XIII, King Ahaz, Joshua of Israel, Sennacherib, Jeremiah the prophet, Nebuchadnezzar, Assyrian rulers, Babylonian scribes, ancient astronomers, Jewish high priests, Moses, Noah, Enoch, Adam and Eve, early Christian apologists, Ezra the scribe, Daniel the prophet, Isaiah’s prophecies, Zedekiah. Rare and Obscure Topics: missing day legends, shadow phenomena, midnight cries, Jewish irredentism, lost time myths, sword of Damocles symbolism, ancient eclipse records, Jewish diaspora, Judean exile, kingly chronologies, neo-Babylonian influence, Assyrian conquest accounts, Jericho’s walls, eclipses in prophecy, sundials in scripture, divine calendar shifts, pre-exilic Israel, Jewish apocalypticism, Phoenician timekeeping, star prophecy. Philosophy and Symbolism: time symbolism, shadow as metaphor, divine clocks, heavenly signs, cosmic prophecy, time and eternity, symbolic numbers, lunar metaphors, esoteric time concepts, prophetic astronomy, sacred geography, cycles of history, apocalyptic signs, messianic timelines, shadow and light, cosmic battles, biblical symbology, numbers in scripture, eternity in time, sacred astronomy. Related Scholarly Disciplines: chronology studies, biblical apologetics, theology and science, astrotheology, ancient calendars, comparative religion, historical astronomy, biblical archaeology, Near Eastern studies, Hebrew studies, ancient historiography, prophetic literature, astronomical anthropology, sacred text studies, historical theology, Semitic studies, sacred timekeeping, eschatological studies, intertestamental research. Eschatological and Prophetic Ideas: end of the age, prophetic warnings, apocalyptic calendars, messianic age, creation’s birthday, end-times chronology, last king prophecy, controversy of Zion, millennium theories, eschatological cycles, final week symbolism, Daniel’s prophecy, Revelation connections, doomsday cycles, prophetic reckonings, final countdowns, sacred warnings, cosmic transitions, Zionist prophecy, future signs. Miscellaneous Rare Tags: military maps in scripture, sundial mechanics, horizon science, astronomy in antiquity, Hebrew mythos, time dilation myths, non-linear time, ancient prophecy cycles, Jericho’s significance, archaeoastronomy, Hebrew battle traditions, time distortions in myth, solar halts, God’s clock, signs in heavens, Assyrian conquest echoes, neo-Babylonian lore, shadow time physics, astronomical folklore, divine celestial patterns.