The Sun Stands Still

Summary

The Chosen People – "The Sun Stands Still"

Episode Date: March 19, 2026
Podcast Host: Pray.com
Episode Theme: Joshua’s Defense of Gibeon and the Miracle of the Sun Standing Still

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Overview

In this episode, "The Sun Stands Still," The Chosen People podcast brings to life the dramatic biblical narrative from the Book of Joshua, focusing on Israel’s alliance with the city of Gibeon, the resulting siege by a coalition of five Amorite kings, and the miraculous intervention when Joshua commands the sun and moon to stand still. Through immersive storytelling, the episode explores themes of faith, oaths and integrity, divine intervention, and the wisdom—sometimes ambiguity—of God’s commandments in the midst of conflict.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Fallout of the Gibeonite Deception

• Recap: The episode opens with a reminder of Gibeon’s earlier ruse (pretending to be distant foreigners to secure a treaty with Israel).
• Aftermath: Israel’s leaders discover the truth but are bound by their sworn oath. Joshua declares,

  “We have sworn an oath to you by the Lord, the God of Israel. We cannot harm you.” (06:04)
  Instead, Gibeonites become servants to Israel in perpetuity.

Notable Issues Raised:

• The complexities of keeping oaths and navigating tricky alliances.
• Questions from Joshua’s council about the wisdom and costs of keeping peace with Gibeon.

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2. Gibeon Under Siege: An Appeal for Help

• Setting: Gibeon is attacked by a coalition of five Amorite kings in retaliation for their pact with Israel.
• Dramatic Flight:
  The episode vividly describes the panic and peril as Gibeonite messengers (chiefly Nikhal, a character with a bent back and vivid fear) escape the city to seek Joshua’s help.

  “Nikal crawled toward the now unguarded gate. He didn’t look back… He had to make it to the Israelite camp. It was time for Joshua to make good on their treaty and come to his people’s rescue.” (10:02)

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3. Council Debate: Honor Versus Opportunity

• Debate: In the Israelite camp, there is heated discussion about whether to honor the treaty with Gibeon.
  • Skepticism about being drawn into a trap or unnecessary war.
  • Caleb, Joshua’s right hand, is wrestling with guilt over the original deception.
• Joshua’s Wisdom:
  Joshua argues both the moral imperative of oath-keeping and the strategic benefit:

  “I think it would be unwise to treat our oaths so casually and bend their interpretations to our whims. But I also think this siege under Kaal's kingdom may be presenting us the strategic break we need.” (16:06)

Strategic Insight:

• Joshua realizes that all five enemy kings, normally protected in their own strongholds, are now vulnerable outside their cities—making a unified strike possible.
• The council warms to the idea:

  “This is too good an opportunity to dismiss.” (16:55)

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4. The Battle for Gibeon: Divine Intervention & The Sun Stands Still

• Epic Advance: Israel marches all night and ascends 4,000 feet to reach Gibeon by dawn, exhausting but motivated.
• Surprise Attack: The Amorite coalition is shocked and routed, their lines breaking in panic as supernatural phenomena unfold.
• Miraculous Hailstorm:

  “Hailstones the size of clenched fists rained down… More Amorites fell dead, impaled by the hailstones than by the Israelite swords.” (20:11)

• Joshua’s Audacious Prayer:
  With victory at hand but daylight fading, Joshua prays aloud:

  “Sun, stand still over Gibeon and moon over the valley of Aijalon.” (23:00)
  The narrative describes the extraordinary moment the sun and moon halt, extending the day for Israel to win a complete victory.

Spiritual Commentary and Reactions:

• A stunned Nikhal (the Gibeonite envoy) exclaims:

  “My God, what is this power of your God to command… the sun and the moon as subjects? … There is no God like Him.” (23:36, Joshua responds)

• The episode conveys awe and reverence for God’s unmatched power.

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5. The Victory and Execution of the Kings

• Aftermath: The five enemy kings are eventually captured hiding in a cave, and Joshua fulfills God’s judgment.
• Message to the Leaders:

  “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous, for the Lord will do this to all the enemies you fight.” (25:58)

• Expansion: Israel continues its conquests, subduing many southern Canaanite cities—though Jerusalem remains defiant, foreshadowing future struggles.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Prayer before the Story:

  “Dear Lord, you are the maker of time, the one who directs both day and night. Every moment rests securely in your hands… Remind us that you hear every cry and move in ways far greater than we imagine.” (00:34, Prayer Leader)

• Joshua Motivates His Army:

  “Israel, remember the promise. Together. Forward. Rak shazatz amats.” (18:54)

• The Miracle Witnessed:

  “The sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance on its enemies. So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed its setting almost a full day.” (24:17, Narrator)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:34 – Opening prayer: Themes of trusting God with time and the unknown.
• 04:44–06:04 – Recap of Gibeonite deception and Joshua’s oath.
• 07:00–11:12 – Gibeon under siege, Gibeonite escape and plea for help.
• 13:45–16:55 – Council debate; Joshua articulates the moral and strategic path.
• 17:10–21:22 – The battle; hailstorm devastates the enemy.
• 23:00–24:17 – Joshua commands the sun and moon to stand still; miraculous prolonging of the day.
• 24:42–26:06 – Execution of enemy kings and message to Israelite officers.
• 26:06–End – Summary of conquests and the lingering challenge of Jerusalem.

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Tone and Narrative Style

The episode is delivered in a rich, dramatic, narrative-driven style blending first-person perspectives, emotional dialogue, and immersive sound design. The tone is reverent, urgent, and contemplative, fostering both a sense of epic adventure and spiritual reflection.

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Takeaway

The Sun Stands Still is a powerful retelling that explores the cost and blessing of faithfulness, the mysterious ways in which God fulfills promises, and the awe-inspiring nature of divine intervention. It reminds listeners of the relevance of ancient stories to modern struggles: the importance of integrity, strategic wisdom, and the courage to ask boldly for God’s help—even for the impossible.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Ready to save. It's time for cyber deals. Put a spring in your step with fresh savings that brighten the season. These exclusive week long digital offers on your favorite products are only available when you shop online. Save on eligible items from Kettle Chobani, Quaker, Skippy, Hidden Valley International, Delight, Frito Lay and Signature select. Available now through March 24th on pickup or delivery orders only. Restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.

[Prayer Leader]

Yours is the day, yours also the night. You have established the heavenly lights and the sun. Psalm 74:16. Dear Lord, you are the maker of time, the one who directs both day and night. Every moment rests securely in your hands. Still we confess that we often feel pressed by the hours, unsure there is enough time for what lies before us. We rush, we worry, and we doubt your ability to work beyond what we can see. Forgive us for forgetting that time obeys you. Strengthen our trust so we can ask boldly and depend entirely on your power. Remind us that you hear every cry and move in ways far greater than we imagine. And when the battle feels long, teach us to rest in your steady strength, knowing you fight for us and that victory in you is certain. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Be sure to follow this podcast so you never miss an episode.

[Narrator]

Click the link in the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories and so much more, all

[Ryan Seacrest]

on the Pray.com app.

[Narrator]

Click the link in the description to get started.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Joshua]

Come on. No.

[Narrator]

Oh boy. Yeah, I know. My golf swing is off today. It's just a lesson.

[Joshua]

Who sent up Champ? Can't.

[Narrator]

I think I might have gotten away with something I shouldn't have. The heck are you talking about? Okay, you see that brand new Hyundai Santa Fe over there?

[Joshua]

Yeah. Well, I only paid

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Joshua]

Finish that bucket of balls on your own.

[Sponsor Voice]

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[Joshua]

Los Santa Fes come in green, right? I love green.

[Prayer Leader]

Green.

[Ryan Seacrest]

What? No to come back.

[Joshua]

I paid for the full hour.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Sponsor Voice]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public you can build a multi asset portfol of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI it all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures available at public.comDisclosures

[Narrator]

previously on the Chosen People.

[Joshua]

Tell me Nekomedy, where are you from and why have you sought out our camp? We are your servants. We have traveled here to make a treaty and swear an oath before your God. Would we go through all that trouble if we were your enemies? Please Joshua, allow us to be your servants. We ask for no land or wealth, just to be in your midst and under your protection in exchange for service. I will honor your request. I will take you to the tabernacle where we will establish our peace and swear the oath you seek. Once it is done, you can rest here to regain your strength before you return to your elders and tell them of our treaty.

[Narrator]

Those men, the ones we just made a treaty with? Their far away country is not so far away as it turns out. They are Hivites. The men you met are from the city of Gibeon. They live only 20 miles from here.

[Joshua]

You're sure? How did you learn this?

[Narrator]

I overheard them speaking to one another. And if that wasn't enough, when I drew closer to confirm my guess, I heard them congratulating themselves over a lie well spun. We have been deceived, General Joshua. Those men were not who they claimed to be.

[Joshua]

We have sworn an oath to you by the Lord, the God of Israel. We cannot harm you. This is how it will be. You will live, so no wrath will fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to you. But why did you deceive us, claiming you live far away when you were actually our neighbors? Because of this, you are cursed and will always be slaves, woodcutters, and water carriers for the house of my God. We feared for our lives. That's why we deceived you. Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever you think is right.

[Narrator]

The horns rang out in warning and pierced the stillness of the tranquil evening, causing the hairs on Nikol's arms to stand on end. Gibeon was under attack. A moment ago, there was music and a cool breeze drifting over the hill country of Canaan, but now there was only sobering panic. Nikhal flung himself from his seat and limped to the stone window of his bedchamber. He peered down at the countryside of rolling hills. What Nikol saw knotted his stomach in fear, and sweat poured from his brow. Even in the darkness, their black forms dotted the landscape, stretching back and back like a ravenous disease intent on destroying its host. Nikol gulped audibly as he gaped down at the force marching toward his home. The horns pierced the night again, and Nikol's door swung wide, his associate, Tadu Heber's form illuminated in the doorway.

[Joshua]

They're here. They mean to take this city. They will put Gibeon to this sword. We had to get out now.

[Narrator]

Nikal noted Tadu's traveling cloak and what appeared to be a hurriedly packed saddlebag slung over his shoulder.

[Joshua]

Has the king ordered us to ride?

[Narrator]

Tadu gave a sharp nod, and Nikhal hobbled about the room, throwing supplies and clothes into his saddlebag.

[Joshua]

Leave it. We have to go now.

[Narrator]

Frantic wails from the city streets below drifted to Nikol's tower home in the royal city of Gibeon. The walls would not be easily breached, and he was safe from arrows shot from the fields below. But if he and Tadu were being sent as messengers to raise the alarm to their neighbors and allies, they didn't have much time. They had to leave the city before the siege began. Judging by the enemy's numbers and the speed at which they were mo, it might already be too late. The two men hurried as fast as Nikhal's bent and twisted back would allow him. They moved down the stone steps carved into the sloping hills towards the city's smallest gate, which wound past Gibeon's famed cylindrical pool that gave the gate its name. It was eerily quiet as they rounded the pool's outer edge and the inky depths rippled in response. Response to the din of a city raising her defenses. Perhaps it was too quiet. And where were the guards? The pool gate was the smallest, but it had never been unmanned. Nikal shot out an arm to stop Tadu as his shrewd eyes spotted the slumped bodies in the shadows. A cruel laugh cut through the darkness and two men emerged, dripping daggers in their hands, wet from the blood of the downed guards.

[Joshua]

Going somewhere, you backstabbing hivey dogs?

[Narrator]

Off to fetch your Hebrew masters?

[Joshua]

Embark for help.

[Narrator]

The two adversaries circled them like wolves. Nikol fumbled to find his blade, not that it would do him much good with his mangled back, and hobbled limp.

[Joshua]

Now, now.

[Narrator]

Can't have you two raising the alarm without warning. Tadu shouted at the top of his

[Joshua]

lungs, intruders at the pool gate.

[Narrator]

At that, the circling soldier lunged at Tadu, but Tadu was ready. He threw the soldier back with his blade and thrust Nikol down to get him out of the way. The first soldier lunged forward and kicked Nikol in the jaw, causing Nikol to bite his tongue and his mouth to fill with blood. The soldier raised his blade above his head and struck Nikal. He flew back, grabbing the side of his face. Tadu tackled the man to the ground. With his face drenched in blood and mouth throbbing, Nikal crawled toward the now unguarded gate. He didn't look back as he seized his opportunity to escape. He had to make it to the Israelite camp. It was time for Joshua to make good on their treaty and come to his people's rescue.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Ready to save? It's time for cyber deals. Put a spring in your step with fresh savings that brighten the season, these exclusive week long digital offers on your favorite products are only available when you shop online. Save on eligible items from Kettle Chobani, Quaker Skippy Hidden Valley International Delight, Frito Lay and Signature select. Available now through March 24th on pickup or delivery orders only. Restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.

[Joshua]

Come on. No.

[Narrator]

Oh, boy. Yeah, I know. My golf swing is off today. It's just a lesson.

[Joshua]

Loosen up, champ. Can't.

[Narrator]

I think I might have gotten away with something I shouldn't have. What the heck are you talking about? Okay, you see that brand new Hyundai Santa Fe over there?

[Joshua]

Yeah.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Well, I only paid deal. So right. It almost feels wrong. Get the Hyundai you've always wanted plus America's best warranty at the Hyundai Getaway sales event.

[Joshua]

Finish that bucket of balls on your own.

[Sponsor Voice]

I gotta run.

[Joshua]

Well, Santa Fe's coming. Green, right? I love green. What?

[Ryan Seacrest]

No to come back.

[Joshua]

I paid for the full hour.

[Ryan Seacrest]

It's a great day for a new Hyundai at the Hyundai Getaway. Sales eventually going on now. Get 0% APR for 60 months plus 0 payments for 90 days on the Hyundai Tucson. Tucson Hybrid, Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid. Now during the Hyundai Getaway sales event. Hurry. Offer ends March 31. Call 562-314-4603 for details.

[Sponsor Voice]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures available at public.comdisclosures

[Narrator]

Joshua frowned at the bruised and battered man before him. His council in an uproar, Ithamar led the charge against the weary refugee from Gibeon.

[Joshua]

Why should we risk our necks for Gibeon? Does a treaty of peace between Our countries mean we are their bannermen, obligated to ride out at their beck and call. And how can we be sure this isn't another deception to draw our army out and attack our civilians on the riverbank while we're out on a wild quail chase? Yes, exactly. And even if a five kingdom alliance surrounds Gibeon, why not let them squabble and fight amongst themselves? Let them weaken themselves fighting one another. Yeah, that would certainly make our conquest easier.

[Narrator]

Caleb had taken the deception of Gibeon particularly hard as Joshua's second in command and leader of his armies. Though Joshua would never blame him. Caleb felt tremendous guilt for not having thoroughly vetted the three Gibeonites before they were brought before Joshua.

[Joshua]

Not to mention, it would rid us of the embarrassing evidence of our deception. No more Gibeon, no more treaty. Did they not swear to be our servants? And they wanted peace from us, not war. Not going to war wouldn't be breaking our treaty with them. But anyway, it doesn't matter what we all think. What do you think, Joshua?

[Narrator]

Joshua had been keenly observing Nikol, the Gibeonite ambassador, all the while looking for further signs of deception or subterfuge. His swollen and bloodied lips and jaw certainly looked convincing, and it was evident he made the journey to their camp on foot. His feet were cracked and bleeding, and he had only the clothes on his back and a wild, desperate look in his eyes. Nikol had seen something in Gibeon that haunted him. Joshua was inclined to believe the tale he spun about an Amorite 5 King alliance uniting against Gibeon in retaliation for aligning themselves with the Israelites. He believed Nikol's stories about a force of thousands now laying siege to his kingdom. But perhaps this predicament presented an opportunity for Israel.

[Joshua]

I think it would be unwise to treat our oaths so casually and bend their interpretations to our whims. But I also think this siege under Kaal's kingdom may be presenting us the strategic break we need.

[Narrator]

Eyebrows shot up around the table at that.

[Joshua]

Think of it. Five Amorite kings whose cities have key strongholds in the south, all in one place, lured out into the open, no longer hiding behind their high walls and defenses in their haste to destroy Gibeon. We could continue to conquer Canaan one stronghold at a time. Our conquest would take years. But if we were to crush multiple enemies at once and further drive our wedge into the heart of the southern kingdom. You ask what I think. Why? I think this is too good an

[Narrator]

opportunity to dismiss eager, curling Smiles replaced skeptical raised eyebrows as the cleverness of Joshua's plan washed over them. Caleb clapped Joshua on the back, a gleam of admiration in his eye.

[Sponsor Voice]

Ha.

[Joshua]

To war for Gibeon then. To war. Do not be afraid of them, for I have handed them over to you. Not one of them will be able

[Narrator]

to stand against you. The Lord's words were still ringing in Joshua's ears from when he spoke the words to Joshua as their army flew up the steep terrain to Canaan's hill country under the COVID of darkness. And they still rang in Joshua's ears as Joshua repeated them to his men over the sounds of war and dying in the distance as the sun rose, the assault on their unlikely allies in full swing upon their arrival, the Israelite men were exhausted from their 25 mile march and ascending the nearly 4,000 foot climb to Gibeon. The Lord would need to hand their enemies over to them in order for them to triumph over these hordes currently throwing themselves against the walls of Gibeon. The kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Yarmouth, Lachish and Eglon whirled around to find Gibeon's reluctant protectors suddenly at their back. Joshua could feel their livid stares over a mile away as they barked at their armies to turn and form up around them to face the oncoming threat from the east.

[Joshua]

Turn around. Face your enemy. These Hebrew invaders have come to take our lands. Kill them all. Attack.

[Narrator]

Joshua drew his sword from its sheath, relishing the sound of iron sliding against smooth leather, and brandished the long javelin over his head with the other hand.

[Joshua]

Israel, remember the promise. Together. Forward. Rak shazatz amats.

[Narrator]

With war cries, barred teeth and pumping arms, the Amorite kings and Israel's armies ran at one another yards before a collision, though as if waking from a dream, the Amorites slowed to a walk and then stopped. They stood confounded and puzzled, assessing their surroundings and looking around. But when they saw the Israelites barreling toward them, spears down and shields up, they panicked and scattered as the interlocking wall of iron tipped spears bore down on them. Joshua stood amazed at the back of the army. Joshua had commanded Nicol to be patched up by their healers, but then stationed at his side for the battle for safekeeping. Joshua wanted him close should the need for a Gibeonite hostage arise and the Gibeonites proved false.

[Joshua]

More what strange sorcery is this?

[Narrator]

Joshua grinned at the bent back Gibeonite.

[Joshua]

Oh, this is nothing for our God. I have a feeling he's just getting started. Does not make empty promises.

[Narrator]

As if on cue, churning white, frosty vertical columns of clouds rolled through the sky with a vengeance, covering the world in an opaque darkness and shielding the morning sun in its shadow. Lightning split the sky and illuminate the faces of the terrified Amorite soldiers below while Israel continued their brutal attack. And then, without warning, hailstones the size of clenched fists rained down, fierce and unrelenting, each one landing with a force that felt like judgment. The hailstones battered shields and dented armor, striking soldiers down dead where they stood. The crackling metallic tang of the sudden electric storm charged the air, a searing, visceral fear. More Amorites fell dead, impaled by the hailstones than by the Israelite swords. The survivors fled in earnest at this supernatural reckoning that unleashed itself from the heavens. Their lines broke well and truly then, and they turned tail and fled to the west before the Israelites.

[Joshua]

After them. Israel, pursue your enemy.

[Narrator]

The enemy fled for cover from the harrowing hailstorm, through the narrow pass and down the valley Aijalon. Joshua swore under his breath. It would take them hours and hours to pursue and vanquish their prey in the pass. His men were spurred on by the adrenaline of war and witnessing the supernatural might of the Lord. But they were only human. They would tire eventually, and the narrow valley was not suitable for camp. They could not let their enemy have the chance to escape and scatter across the land. He had to fulfill the Lord's promise and end this today. Joshua craned his neck at the already clearing sky. The sun was still climbing to its zenith, but Even with over 10 hours of sunlight, Joshua wanted more. He needed more time. A wild, audacious idea flashed across Joshua's mind as he lowered his gaze to track the enemy disappear, peering into the rocky valley. The iridescent moon hung low in the sky, barely visible in the daytime and peeking over the ridges of the valley. As if drawn by curiosity to these strange events, the mythic sight of the sun and moon together in the sky before him sparked a radical idea drawn from the poetic legends of Hebrew heroes and the ancient lore recorded in the Book of Yasha, a favorite of Joshua's, one of the first scrolls his beloved mentor Moses had taught him to read all those years ago.

[Joshua]

Sun stands still over Gibeon and moon over the valley of Aijalon.

[Narrator]

Joshua could feel a palpable pulse of pressure in the atmosphere as the Lord acquiesced Joshua's unorthodox request. It was as if the earth spinning undetected beneath them, the forces holding them back to its presence slowed in response. The sun and moon hung suspended and still. Nikol gaped at Joshua as if he sensed it as well.

[Joshua]

My God, what is this power of your God to command Shapash, the torch of the gods, and Yarrick, the lamp of the gods, to order the sun and the moon as subjects. The God you are pledged to is the Elohim, creator of the sun and moon. They are indeed his subjects. He is the El Elyon, God Most high. There is no God like him. Look, Nicol of Gibeon, servant of the God of Israel. See the wonders of our God for himself.

[Narrator]

Nikol trembled, stumbled to his knees and bowed low before the wonders of his God. The sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance on its enemies. So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed its setting almost a full day.

[Joshua]

Open the mouth of the cave and bring out those five kings to me.

[Narrator]

Joshua's faithful guards set to work in lodging the great stone. It had been almost two weeks since the day the sun stood still. Joshua had glimpsed the cowardly kings sneaking away from their panicking men and into the mountains to hide. Joshua had not bothered hunting his enemies to stop and deal with them. He instead sent a small detachment of guards to trap them here so they could contemplate how they could leave their men in the field and run to the protection of walls, even walls of a desolate, dripping cave. Israel had safely made camp at Makeda. No one dared threaten the Israelites after this stunning victory. But now, to complete the defeat, Joshua called forward Caleb Salman and the other officers of his army to stand beside him as they surveyed the sniveling Amorite kings bound before them.

[Joshua]

Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.

[Narrator]

The guards holding the kings shoved them down to their sides, and the officers marched forward obediently and did as Joshua bid.

[Joshua]

Do not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous, for the Lord will do this to all the enemies you fight.

[Narrator]

Joshua motioned for the officers to back away. He drew his sword from its sheath again, and in five quick, successive blows, he struck down the five king alliance, sealing the doom of the southern Canaanite kingdoms. After the decisive battle in the valley of Aijalon, Israel advanced relentlessly, capturing Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, and Eglon, securing control of the southern highlands. From there, they drove deeper into the south, taking the fortified cities of Hebron and Derber, critical victories, leaving the region largely subdued. Yet Jerusalem remained impenetrable and defiant, an isolated pagan stronghold of Jebusites amidst a conflict conquered land. That campaign would have to wait for another day, but its presence was a thorn, a reminder that Israel's work in the land was far from finished. If today's reading moved you, the Pray.com app is where you can go deeper with daily prayers, Bible plans and more. Download it Free link in the description this prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Ready to save. It's time for Cyber Deals. Put a spring in your step with fresh savings that brighten the season. These exclusive week long digital offers on your favorite products are only available when you shop online. Save on eligible items from Kettle Chobani, Quaker Skippy, Hidden Valley International, Delight, Frito Lay and Signature select. Available now through March 24th on pickup or delivery orders only. Restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions. Hey, it's Bobby Bones. You know Eddie and I recently stopped by. Yeah, in Nashville. It's an incredible nonprofit empowering kids through music education. Thanks to Hyundai. We recorded a special podcast episode while we were there. How do you think learning an instrument helps kids with confidence? Learning an instrument allows them to discover a little bit further of who they

[Narrator]

are and be comfortable with it and

[Ryan Seacrest]

then share a little bit about that with others.

[Narrator]

And if it's done in an environment

[Ryan Seacrest]

that is celebrating and championing them, then

[Narrator]

that confidence can only go up.

[Ryan Seacrest]

The full episode is out now, presented by the Hyundai Ioniq 9. To donate and learn more about yeah's mission, just visit Yarocks.org you're listening to a podcast, so you're doing something else too. Like maybe scrolling home listings on Redfin, saving places you like without thinking you'll get them. Because that's what house hunting has become. But Redfin isn't built for endless browsing. It's built to help you find and own a home. Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents. Which means when you find a place you love, you've got a real shot at getting it. Redfin helps turn saved listings into real addresses. Get [e-mail] own the dream.

[Joshua]

You know that feeling when a story just grabs you and won't let go? That's the kind of drama that's waiting for you on Disney Hulu. Mysterious post apocalyptic thrillers like the acclaimed Hulu original parody action adventure dramas like Daredevil, Born Again and iconic medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy. Or maybe you want your drama with a side of comic relief. With shows like High Potential. Find the drama you want on Disney and Hulu with a bundle. Subscription terms apply.

[Kohler Ambassador]

When Kohler, global design leader in luxurious kitchen and bath products, asked me to be their ambassador for timeless, elegant, durable cast iron, I said, I'm in. Soon after, I was in their Kohler, Wisconsin foundry watching molten iron poured, enamel applied by hand, and the beautiful finished pieces ready to ship. Since 1883, Kohler cast iron has been crafted by incredible artisans, and seeing it firsthand gave me a whole new appreciation for their craftsmanship. Now I'm proud to lend my stamp of approval to my favorite Kohler cast iron products for their durability, beauty and enduring style. Shop my curated [e-mail]. as the Kohler Cast Iron Ambassador, I say, long live Cast Iron.

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.