Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still upon Gibeon

John Martin combines landscape and historical painting to illustrate a dramatic story from the Bible’s Old Testament. When enemies attacked the city of Gibeon, its citizens appealed for help to an ally: Israelite leader Joshua.

Bringing his army to Gibeon’s defense, Joshua raises his arm, urging God to halt the sun’s movement and give his forces more time to fight by daylight. God not only stopped the sun but also unleashed a storm of hail and fire on the enemy, helping the Israelites to victory.