The Canaanite nations hear about the new pact with the Israelites. They form a counter-alliance and set out to fight the rogue nation. The Gibeonites invoke their pact with the Israelites and call for their help. Joshua carries out a surprise attack against the coalition. He and his men ascend from Gilgal to meet their enemies at Beth Horon. Suddenly, stones fall from the sky upon the armies of Canaan. The fight rages on well into the afternoon, but Israel’s victory is still not secure. Joshua orders the sun and the moon to stand still. The forces of nature miraculously obey and the Israelites rout their enemies.
Joshua conquers the southern area of Canaan. The five kings run and hide in the Makkedah cave. Joshua traps them there and orders his captains to place their feet on their necks as a sign of victory. Next, he kills his captives and hangs them from a tree as a warning for all of the other Canaanite kings The cities of Libnah, Lachish, Gezer, Eglon, and Debir fall next. By the time the campaign is complete, the Judean foothills and the Negev are all under Israelite rule. Joshua manages to turn the threat posed by the Canaanites into an opportunity. He launches a surprise attack against the five kings, kills them, and takes the Judean foothills. Grave danger quickly transforms into crushing victory.
“Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night” (Joshua 10:9)
“that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them” (Joshua 10:11)
“Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon” (Joshua 10:12)
Positivity is realizing that every single thing comes from the creator and is therefore good.
