Miracles of Joshua
Quick Summary
The miracles associated with Joshua reveal God’s power to guide, protect, and establish Israel as they enter the promised land. From the parting of the Jordan River to the fall of Jericho, from the sun standing still to victories shaped by divine intervention, these miracles show that God is faithful to promises and present with the people through every challenge.
Introduction
The story of Joshua marks a turning point in Israel’s history. After years of wandering, the people finally stand at the threshold of the promised land. Moses has died, and leadership now rests with Joshua—someone who has witnessed God’s power but must now trust it in new ways. The miracles that unfold in the book of Joshua serve not merely as signs of divine might but as confirmations that God remains with Israel, guiding their steps and fulfilling long-awaited promises.
These miracles also shape the identity of the new generation entering the land. They learn that the victories they experience are not won by strength or strategy alone but by God’s presence and action. Each miracle tells a part of the larger story of covenant, faithfulness, and trust.
Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3–4)
One of the most significant miracles occurs as Israel approaches the Jordan River during flood season. The priests carry the ark of the covenant to the edge of the river, and when their feet touch the water, the river stops flowing. The waters pile up far upstream, and the people cross on dry ground.
This miracle intentionally echoes the crossing of the Red Sea. It symbolizes continuity between Moses and Joshua and assures the people that God is still leading them. Twelve stones are taken from the riverbed and set up as a memorial—a reminder for future generations of God’s power.
The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6)
The most famous miracle under Joshua’s leadership is the fall of Jericho. Instead of a typical military strategy, God commands an unusual ritual:
The people march around the city once a day for six days.
On the seventh day, they march around seven times.
The priests blow trumpets.
The people shout.
At the sound of the trumpet and the shout of the people, the walls collapse. Jericho falls not through human ingenuity but through God’s intervention. This miracle signals that the land will be taken not by Israel’s strength but by God’s promise.
The Sun Stands Still (Joshua 10)
One of the most striking miracles in the Old Testament occurs during a battle against the Amorite coalition. As Israel fights, Joshua prays, "Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the valley of Aijalon" (Joshua 10:12). The narrative describes the sun stopping until Israel secures victory.
Whether understood as extraordinary language for a prolonged day or a supernatural event beyond natural explanation, the meaning is clear: God fights for Israel. The miracle reflects divine power that extends beyond the earth and into the heavens.
Hailstones From the Sky (Joshua 10)
In the same battle where the sun stands still, another miracle occurs. As the Amorites flee, God sends large hailstones from the sky. The text notes that more enemies died from the hail than from Israel’s swords.
This miracle highlights God’s protection of Israel and judgment against those who oppose them. It also emphasizes that the victory belongs to God.
The Commander of the Lord’s Army Appears (Joshua 5:13–15)
Before the fall of Jericho, Joshua encounters a mysterious figure described as the "commander of the army of the Lord." Joshua asks whether the figure is for Israel or their enemies. The reply is striking: "Neither; but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come."
While not a typical miracle of power, this appearance (often regarded as an angelic or divine encounter) signals that God’s purposes transcend human categories. Joshua removes his sandals, recognizing the ground as holy. The encounter reminds him that the battle ultimately belongs to the Lord.
The Defeat of Ai and the Role of Divine Direction (Joshua 7–8)
After an initial defeat at Ai due to hidden sin among the people, God guides Joshua through a restored plan. The strategy that unfolds succeeds because God directs Joshua, not because of clever tactics.
Though the victory is not described as supernatural in the same way as other miracles, the story demonstrates that Israel’s success depends entirely on obedience and God’s guidance.
The Waters of the Jordan Once More (Joshua 4)
After the crossing, God instructs Joshua to command the priests to come up from the river. When they step onto dry land, the Jordan’s waters return. This closing of the river mirrors the closing of the Red Sea and symbolizes the completion of a sacred passage into a new chapter of Israel’s life.
Miracles of Judgment and Protection
Throughout the narrative, there are other miraculous moments that reflect God’s judgment or protection:
The panic among Israel’s enemies stirred by God’s intervention.
The saving of Rahab, whose faith leads to her rescue.
The allotment of land, shaped by God’s promises.
Each moment reinforces that the story of Joshua is not simply military conquest but divine leading.
Theological Meaning of Joshua’s Miracles
1. God Keeps Promises
The miracles show that God fulfills what was spoken to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses.
2. God Leads the People
The crossing of the Jordan and the fall of Jericho reveal that Israel’s victories come through God’s initiative.
3. God Judges Injustice
The miracles involving the Amorites and surrounding nations reflect judgment against violence, idolatry, and oppression.
4. God Forms a Holy People
The miracles teach Israel dependence, obedience, and reverence. The focus is not on domination but on becoming a people shaped by God’s covenant.
5. God’s Power Extends Everywhere
Joshua’s miracles range from rivers to walls to the movements of the heavens. They proclaim a God whose power knows no boundaries.
FAQs
How many miracles are associated with Joshua?
While the book does not give a single count, Joshua’s story includes several major miracles—crossing the Jordan, Jericho’s fall, the sun standing still, hailstones, and divine encounters.
Are Joshua’s miracles similar to Moses’?
Yes. The parallels are intentional. The Jordan crossing echoes the Red Sea, showing that God is with Joshua just as God was with Moses.
Why are Joshua’s miracles important?
They reveal God’s faithfulness during Israel’s transition into the promised land and demonstrate that the covenant extends into a new generation.
Do Joshua’s miracles point to Jesus?
Many readers find connections—Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) shares Joshua’s name, leads people into new life, and fulfills God’s promises in a deeper way.
