The sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Isn’t this written in the book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and didn’t hurry to go down about a whole day.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 13. The book of the just. In Hebrew Sepher hayashar; an ancient book long since lost. Challoner.—It was probably of the same nature with that of the wars of the Lord, (Numbers 21:4,) containing an account of the most memorable occurrences which concerned the people of Israel, the just, or Ischuron. Deuteronomy 33:5. Josephus (verse 2,) says, such “records were kept in the archives of the temple.” They were drawn up by people of character. The quotations inserted are in a poetical style, as the book might contain various canticles, though the rest was written in prose. See 2 Kennicott. 1:18. It might appear unnecessary for Josue to appeal to this work, as the fact in question was known to all. Calmet.—But too great precaution could not be taken to prevent the danger of people calling in question the reality of the miracle. If the book of the just was a more detailed history of facts, out of which this work of Josue has been compiled, as Theodoret supposes, the author might very well remit the more inquisitive reader to that authentic source. Bible.—Midst. It was then almost noon. Calmet.—Josue was nevertheless afraid lest the day should not allow them time to destroy their fleeing enemies completely. Bible.—If the evening had been at hand, he would have said, return sun towards Gabaon, as it would have been on the west of his army. The battle had begun early in the morning, and the pursuit had lasted perhaps four or five hours. Calmet.—Day. Hebrew “about a whole day.” Many think that a day here comprises 24 hours; and as the sun had been above the horizon six hours, and continued other six, it must have been visible for the space of 36 hours, as the Jews believe, and as it is specified in S. Justin. Dial. The author of Sirach 46:5, says, Was not the sun stopped in his anger, and one day made as two? that is, 24 hour long, allowing 12 unequal ones to form a day, according to the reckoning of those times. Others suppose that the day of Josue might consist of 18 ( Calmet.) or of 48 hours. But how would the soldiers be able to support such a fatigue? They had been marching all the preceding night from Galgal. Bible.—If they had stopped to take refreshment, their enemies would have escaped. Hence some of the Fathers imagine, that God enabled his people to pursue them without taking any food. Saint Jerome c. Jov. ii. They might, however, take some along with them, as it was then customary; and eat as they pursued, whenever they could find an opportunity. Josue had given no prohibition; and Jonathan observed that his father, Saul, had troubled Israel, by following a different plan. 1 Kennicott. 14:24. Calmet.