Definition: And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. [Is] not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly powerful verse from Joshua 10:13. It’s a really dramatic statement about time stopping – and then being reversed . Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment where everything – the sun, the moon, and even the heavens themselves – stopped moving for a whole day. It’s not just a delay; it’s like the entire world held its breath. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Joshua 10:13” : This is the verse itself – a specific event in ancient history. “And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed…” : This immediately tells us something extraordinary is happening. The sun and moon aren’t moving normally . They're frozen in place. “…until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies.” : This is the crucial part. The “people” are the Israelites, who were fighting against the Moabites and Ammonites (the enemies of Israel). “Avenged themselves” means they defeated their enemies. It’s a victory! “[Is] not this written in the book of Jasher?” : This is a reference to an ancient text called the Book of Jasher, which describes a similar event involving a battle between the Israelites and the Moabites. It's saying that this story already exists in another source. “So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.” : This is the most striking part. The verse describes the sun literally stopping its journey across the sky. It’s like it's frozen mid-journey! The phrase "hastened not to go down" suggests it was held in place forever . What does this all mean? This story is a powerful symbol of divine justice and retribution. It suggests: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control and can stop events completely. Justice Taking Hold: The moment the sun stops moving represents a complete and unwavering judgment – a time when God’s will is put into action. Victory and Restoration: The people’s vengeance – defeating their enemies – signifies that God has brought about a victory and restored what was lost or damaged. In short, it's a story about a moment of frozen time where the enemy's defeat completes God's plan. Think of it like this: It's not just a pause; it’s a complete standstill that reflects a powerful and decisive outcome. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, perhaps focusing on a particular aspect (like the symbolism or its significance in biblical interpretation)? Or would you like me to give you an analogy?