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The "Long Day" of Joshua refers to the biblical account in the Book of Joshua where, during a battle, the sun and moon appear to stand still. The text emphasizes that this event is a miracle, not an astronomical phenomenon. The narrative should not be read for scientific accuracy, but for its spiritual and symbolic meaning.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the "Long Day" as described in the text:

• The Setting: The Israelites were engaged in a battle against the Amorites near Gibeon. Joshua, realizing that the Amorites were escaping, desired to ensure a complete victory.
• Joshua's Command: Joshua commanded, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon". The text clarifies that "stand still" can also be translated as "be silent".
• Misconceptions: The text addresses common misconceptions about the event:
  • It was not a night surprise, as is often assumed. The battle took place during the day.
  • Joshua did not desire more time because the day was ending. He still had about seven hours of daylight left.
  • The sun and moon could not have been in the same quarter of the sky at the time. The sun was in the east and the moon was in the west.
• Accurate Observation: The text identifies an accurate observation in the narrative:
  • Joshua was at Gibeon.
  • It was high noon.
  • The moon was in the west, near its last quarter.
  • The text pinpoints the date as likely around the 21st day of the fourth month, which would have been late July according to the current calendar.
• The Miracle: The text explains that the miracle was a response to Joshua’s need for the heat to be tempered. The text suggests that rather than stopping the sun, it became "silent" as a rush of storm clouds cooled the Israelites and allowed them to continue their pursuit.
• The Extended Day: The text addresses the idea of the day being lengthened. It states that the "sun hasted not to go down about a whole day," and that this was according to the Israelites’ understanding of time. They had no mechanical time-measurers and judged time by the distance they marched. The text concludes that the day was perceived as extended because the Israelites were able to make a march in the afternoon that would have usually taken a full day.
• Spiritual Significance: The "Long Day" is presented as a demonstration of God's power and willingness to aid the Israelites. It is not a lesson in astronomy, but an affirmation of faith.

In summary, the "Long Day" of Joshua is understood not as a literal astronomical event but as a miraculous occurrence where God intervened to aid the Israelites, giving them the strength to win their battle. The narrative's emphasis is not on scientific accuracy but on God's power and his active involvement in the lives of his people.