So Adoni-zedek and four other kings (those of the city kingdoms of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon) organize and war against Gibeon. Honoring his covenant with the Gibeonites, Joshua marches all night to their aid and routs the armies of the five kings. Once again Jehovah enters into the fight, using superhuman powers and signs, with devastating results. Mighty hailstones rain down from heaven, killing more of the enemy than the swords of the Israelite army. And then, wonder of wonders, ‘the sun keeps standing still in the middle of the heavens and does not hasten to set for about a whole day.’ (10:13) Thus, mopping-up operations can be completed.

23. What powerful reminders are contained in Joshua?

²³ The unusual supernatural events recorded at Joshua 10:10-14, when the sun kept motionless and the moon stood still, as well as the many other miracles that Jehovah performed in behalf of his people, are powerful reminders of Jehovah’s ability and purpose to bring a final extermination of all wicked opposers of God. Gibeon, the scene of battle both in Joshua’s time and in David’s time, is connected by Isaiah with Jehovah’s rising up in agitation for this extermination, “that he may do his deed​—his deed is strange—​and that he may work his work​—his work is unusual.”​—Isa. 28:21, 22.