Joshua and the Long Day

Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard what Joshua had done at Jericho and Ai, and he heard that Gibeon had made peace with Israel. He was afraid, so he sent for the kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. Those five Amorite kings joined their armies and attacked Gibeon. The men of Gibeon sent an urgent message to Joshua at Gilgal, asking him to come quickly and help.

Joshua went up from Gilgal with all his army and his mighty warriors. The Lord told Joshua not to fear, because these enemies had been given into his hand and would not stand against him. After marching all night, Joshua came on them suddenly. The Lord threw the enemy into confusion as Israel struck them and chased them by the way of Beth Horon toward Azekah and Makkedah.

As the enemy fled down the descent of Beth Horon, the Lord hurled great stones from the sky, and more died from the hailstones than from Israel's swords. Then Joshua spoke before Israel and asked for the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the valley of Aijalon. The sun stayed in the sky until the nation had taken vengeance on its enemies. The chapter says there had been no day like it, because the Lord listened to a man's voice and fought for Israel.

The five kings hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave blocked and guarded while the army finished the pursuit. Afterwards the kings were brought out, and Joshua called the chiefs of the army near and told them to be strong and courageous. Then the kings were put to death. By evening their bodies were taken down and placed in the cave, and large stones were set over its entrance.

After that, Joshua and Israel captured Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir. When the king of Gezer came to help Lachish, Joshua struck him and his people too. The passage repeatedly says these cities were struck down and no one was left remaining. It ends by saying Joshua defeated the southern land and its kings in one campaign because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel. Then Joshua and all Israel returned to Gilgal.