Joshua 10:14

KJV

And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was no day {H3117} like that before {H6440} it or after {H310} it, that the LORD {H3068} hearkened {H8085} unto the voice {H6963} of a man {H376}: for the LORD {H3068} fought {H3898} for Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is written in the book of Yashar. The sun stood still in the sky and was in no rush to set for nearly a whole day. There has never been a day like that before or since, when ADONAI listened to the voice of a man; it happened because ADONAI was fighting on Isra'el's behalf.

Berean Standard Bible

There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel.

American Standard Version

And there was no day like that before it or after it, that Jehovah hearkened unto the voice of a man: for Jehovah fought for Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:14 serves as a profound theological summation of the miraculous events at Gibeon, declaring that no other day in history has witnessed such an extraordinary divine intervention. It encapsulates the unparalleled nature of God's responsiveness to a human petition, specifically Joshua's command for the sun and moon to stand still, and emphatically asserts that the ultimate reason for Israel's decisive victory was the direct, active participation of the Lord Himself, who fought on behalf of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:14 functions as a climactic theological commentary on the preceding narrative of the Gibeonite campaign, detailed in [Joshua 10:1-13](/joshua/10-1 "Joshua 10:1-13 - The Battle of Gibeon"). The chapter opens with a coalition of five Amorite kings launching an attack on Gibeon, which had recently secured a peace treaty with Israel. In fulfillment of this covenant, Joshua leads the Israelite army to Gibeon's defense. The battle unfolds with two distinct, supernatural interventions: first, God casts large hailstones upon the enemy ([Joshua 10:11](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11 - God Sends Hailstones")), and then, in response to Joshua's audacious prayer, the sun and moon stand still, prolonging daylight to allow Israel to complete their victory ([Joshua 10:12-13](/joshua/10-12 "Joshua 10:12-13 - Joshua Commands the Sun to Stand Still")). Verse 14 provides the definitive interpretation of these events, attributing their uniqueness and success entirely to the Lord's direct intervention and His unprecedented responsiveness to a human leader.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Joshua chronicles Israel's divinely mandated conquest of Canaan, a land promised to the descendants of Abraham. This era was characterized by intense tribal warfare among various city-states and kingdoms. The Amorites, a formidable people group, represented a significant military challenge. For Israel, this was more than mere territorial expansion; it was a "holy war" (herem), commanded by Yahweh to dispossess the morally corrupt inhabitants of the land ([Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Dispossessing the Nations")). While ancient Near Eastern cultures often depicted deities intervening in battles, the scale and specificity of Yahweh's intervention—halting celestial bodies—would have been utterly unique and terrifying, not only to Israel's enemies but also to Israel itself, solidifying the singular power and authority of the God of Israel above all other gods.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His willingness to suspend natural laws to accomplish His purposes. The stopping of the sun and moon is the ultimate display of this power. Secondly, it highlights **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, as He actively fights for Israel, fulfilling His ancient promises to give them the land and defeat their adversaries ([Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "The LORD Your God Fights for You")). Thirdly, the phrase "the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man" emphasizes the **Efficacy of Prayer and Human Agency**, revealing that God hears and responds to the bold, faith-filled petitions of His chosen servants, even when those petitions seem to defy the natural order. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Israel's Dependence on God**, asserting that their victories are not achieved by their own might or military prowess, but solely by the Lord's direct intervention, setting a precedent for future narratives where Israel's success is directly contingent upon their obedience and God's active presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The Hebrew word יְהֹוָה (_Yᵉhôvâh'_) refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the covenant name of God revealed to Israel. Its repeated use in this verse ("the LORD hearkened... for the LORD fought") emphasizes that the unprecedented events of this day were not random occurrences or natural phenomena, but the direct, intentional action of the sovereign God of Israel. This name underscores His personal involvement and His unwavering commitment to His people, distinguishing Him from all other deities.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** The Hebrew word יוֹם (_yôwm'_) refers to a day, often implying a period of warm hours from sunrise to sunset, but can also denote a more general space of time. In the phrase "no day like that," this word highlights the specific, temporal singularity of the event. It was a literal day, marked by a unique celestial phenomenon, setting it apart as an unprecedented moment in history where God directly intervened in the natural progression of time to secure His people's victory.
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (_shâmaʻ'_) signifies more than merely "to hear"; it implies an intelligent, attentive hearing that leads to a responsive action, often obedience. When the text states "the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man," it conveys God's active engagement and affirmative response to Joshua's audacious prayer. This is a profound theological statement about God's intimate relationship with His people and His willingness to act decisively on their behalf, even to the extent of altering cosmic order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was no day like that before it or after it,"**: This opening clause serves as a superlative declaration, immediately establishing the unparalleled nature of the events at Gibeon. It emphatically states that this specific day stands alone in all of history, both past and future, as a unique demonstration of divine power. This sets the stage for the awe-inspiring miracle and underscores its singular magnitude, highlighting God's extraordinary intervention.
* **"that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man:"**: This central phrase reveals the astonishing and primary reason for the day's uniqueness: God's direct, personal, and affirmative response to a human petition. It underscores the profound efficacy of Joshua's faith-filled prayer and God's willingness to engage with and act upon the requests of His faithful servants. This is a powerful testament to the relational aspect of God's character and the transformative power of intercession.
* **"for the LORD fought for Israel."**: This concluding clause provides the ultimate theological explanation and justification for the entire miraculous event. The sun and moon stood still, and hailstones fell, because the Lord Himself was actively engaged in battle on behalf of His people. This statement reiterates the core theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His role as Israel's divine Warrior and Defender, ensuring their victory and the fulfillment of His promises, thereby attributing all glory to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:14 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most evident is **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "there was no day like that before it or after it." This emphatic statement uses exaggerated language to underscore the unparalleled nature of God's intervention, impressing upon the reader the unique and awe-inspiring power of Yahweh. The verse also functions as a powerful **Narrative Summary**, condensing the miraculous events of the entire Gibeonite battle into a concise, impactful theological declaration. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Divine Intervention**, where God directly and supernaturally acts within the natural world to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation. Finally, the phrase "the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man" contains an element of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing the human action of "hearkening" to God, thereby making His responsiveness more relatable and emphasizing His personal engagement with His servant Joshua.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:14 is a cornerstone verse for understanding God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation, demonstrating His ability to suspend natural laws to achieve His divine purposes. This event serves as a powerful reminder that no obstacle is too great for the Lord, and His power extends beyond human comprehension or natural limitations. Moreover, it highlights the incredible privilege and power of prayer, showing that God truly "hearkens" to the voice of His faithful servants, responding to their bold petitions in ways that defy expectation. Ultimately, the verse affirms God's role as the divine Warrior who fights for His people, ensuring their victory not by their own might, but by His omnipotent hand, thereby building their trust and dependence on Him.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "The LORD Will Fight for You")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Fervent Prayer of a Righteous Person")
* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "The LORD Your God Fights for You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 10:14 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers today, reminding us of the limitless power of God and the efficacy of faith-filled prayer. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse calls us to lift our eyes from our circumstances to the God who controls the sun and moon. It encourages us to cultivate a radical trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He can intervene in our lives, our communities, and our world in ways that defy natural explanation. Just as Joshua boldly prayed for more daylight to secure victory, we are invited to pray with audacious faith, believing that God hears our cries and is able to act beyond our wildest imaginations. When we face spiritual battles, personal struggles, or societal injustices, we can rest in the assurance that "the LORD fought for Israel," and He continues to fight for His people today. Our ultimate victory is secured not by our strength or strategy, but by His divine intervention and unwavering faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unprecedented nature of God's intervention in Joshua 10:14 challenge or expand your understanding of His power and sovereignty?**
* **What does "the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man" teach you about the significance and potential of your own prayers? Are there areas where you need to pray more boldly?**
* **In what specific "battles" of your life (spiritual, emotional, relational, physical) do you need to remember that "the LORD fought for Israel" and trust that He fights for you too?**

### FAQ
**Was the stopping of the sun and moon a literal event, or a poetic description?**

Answer: The biblical text in [Joshua 10:12-13](/joshua/10-12 "Joshua Commands the Sun to Stand Still") presents the event as a literal, miraculous intervention. The phrase "there was no day like that before it or after it" in [Joshua 10:14](/joshua/10-14 "The Unprecedented Day") strongly emphasizes its unique and unprecedented nature, suggesting a genuine suspension or alteration of the normal celestial movements. While some modern interpretations attempt to explain it as a prolonged twilight due to atmospheric conditions or a poetic hyperbole, the most straightforward reading of the Hebrew narrative, consistent with other miracles in the Old Testament, points to a direct, supernatural act of God. The text frames it as a concrete, observable phenomenon that directly facilitated Israel's victory and demonstrated God's absolute power over creation.

**Does this verse imply that God always grants human requests, even those that seem to defy nature?**

Answer: No, Joshua 10:14 does not imply that God always grants every human request, especially those that defy nature. Instead, it highlights a unique instance where a human request aligned perfectly with God's sovereign will and redemptive purposes for Israel. Joshua's prayer was made in the context of a holy war commanded by God, where God had already promised to fight for His people. The verse emphasizes that "the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man" because "the LORD fought for Israel." God's responsiveness is always rooted in His character, His covenant promises, and His overarching plan for His glory and His people's good. It encourages bold, faith-filled prayer, but also prayer submitted to God's ultimate wisdom and will, as exemplified by Jesus' prayer in [Gethsemane, "not my will, but yours be done"](/luke/22-42 "Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:14, with its declaration of God's unprecedented intervention and His fighting for Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The God who commanded the sun and moon to stand still is the same God who, in Christ, demonstrates absolute sovereignty over all creation, from calming raging storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) to raising the dead from their graves ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "Jesus Raises Lazarus")). While Joshua's prayer was for a temporary extension of daylight to secure a physical victory, Christ's eternal intercession for His people secures a spiritual victory of cosmic proportions ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The "Lord who fought for Israel" in a specific battle foreshadows the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), fighting the ultimate battle against sin, death, and the devil through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection. Through Christ, God not only fights *for* us but also empowers us to be "more than conquerors" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors")) by His Spirit, living victoriously in Him. The unique day in Joshua points to the unique person of Christ, through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Christ as Creator and Sustainer")), and who is the ultimate demonstration of God's power and His unwavering commitment to His people, securing an eternal day of salvation that will never end.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 1:30

The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;

Exodus 14:14

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Joshua 10:42

And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.

Joshua 23:3

And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God [is] he that hath fought for you.

Isaiah 38:8

Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

Luke 17:6

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

2 Kings 20:10

And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.