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Joshua prays for the sun to stand still

Joshua prays for more daylight to win the battle.
Contributed by Sweet Publishing
Story also available on our translated websites: Portuguese, Polish, Hindi, Simplified Chinese
1
Joshua and the Israelites had captured Jericho and Ai. The nearby Gibeonites had deceived Joshua into believing they were from a far away land and made a treaty with him. They were now wood gatherers and water carriers for the Israelites. – Slide 1
2
The leaders of the tribes in Canaan were dismayed the people of Gibeon were now allies of the Israelites. – Slide 2
3
King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent messengers to several other kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. They agreed to combine their armies to attack Gibeon. – Slide 3
4
The men of Gibeon sent messengers to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal. ‘Come at once! Save us! Help us!’ they pleaded. ‘All the Amorite kings who live in the hill country have joined forces to attack us.’ – Slide 4
5
Joshua and his entire army, set out for Gibeon.  ‘Don’t be afraid of them,’ the Lord told Joshua, ‘for I have given you victory over them.’ – Slide 5
6
That night the Israelites took the Amorite armies by surprise and chased them as they fled. – Slide 6
7
As the Amorites retreated, the Lord sent a terrible hailstorm. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword. – Slide 7
8
Joshua needed daylight to destroy their enemies. So he prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. ‘Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.’The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and did not set as on a normal day. – Slide 8
9
During the battle the five kings escaped and hid in a cave at Makkedah. – Slide 9
10
Joshua commanded, ‘Cover the opening of the cave with large rocks, and put guards at the entrance to keep the kings inside. The rest of you continue chasing the enemy and don’t give them a chance to get back to their towns. The Lord has given you victory over them.’ – Slide 10
11
The Israelites totally wiped out the five armies except for a tiny remnant that managed to reach their fortified towns. – Slide 11
12
Then Joshua said, ‘Remove the rocks covering the opening of the cave, and bring the five kings to me.’ – Slide 12
13
Joshua told the commanders of his army, ‘Come and put your feet on the kings’ necks. Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is going to do this to all of your enemies.’ The kings were then executed.   – Slide 13
14
Joshua then captured and destroyed the town of Makkedah. – Slide 14
15
The Israelites went to capture the cities of Libnah then Eglon, Hebron and Debir before returning victoriously to Gilgal. – Slide 15
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Slide 16