Joshua 10
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
The sun was shining bright over the land. Joshua and his people had a new home from God. But five angry kings did not like that. They came with big armies. They wanted to fight against one little city, called Gibeon.
The people in Gibeon were scared. Very scared. They sent a fast message to Joshua. "Help us! Come quickly!"
Joshua listened. And God spoke to Joshua. God said, "Do not be afraid. I will help you."
Then Joshua walked. All night long, he walked with his soldiers. Up the hills. Through the dark. When morning came, the enemies did not see them yet. Surprise!
God helped in a special way. Big, big hailstones fell from the sky. Plop, plop, plop! They fell on the enemies, but not on Joshua's men.
What Does This Mean?
Joshua looked at the sun. The day was almost over. But the fight was not done yet. So Joshua said something very bold. He said, "Sun, stand still!"
And guess what? The sun stopped. It stayed high in the sky. It just kept shining and shining. The moon waited too. It was the longest day ever. No day like it before. No day like it after.
Why? Because God was fighting for His people. God is very, very strong. Stronger than kings. Stronger than armies. Even the sun listens to God.
The Common Thread
God kept His promise that day. He said He would help, and He did. God always keeps His promises.
A long time later, God sent Jesus. Jesus is even bigger than the sun. Jesus made the sun. And Jesus helps us, just like God helped Joshua. When we are scared, Jesus is near.
For You
Sometimes you feel small. Maybe the dark is scary. Maybe you are alone. Maybe something feels too big.
But God is close. He hears you, just like He heard Joshua. You can call Him, and He listens. He is very, very strong. And He loves you very much.
You do not have to be brave all by yourself. God helps.
Talk About It
What do you think the people saw when the sun did not go down?
When are you scared? What can you say to God then?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You are so big and strong.
You made the sun and the moon.
Thank You that You help me.
When I am scared, please be close.
I love You, God.
Amen.
Questions about Joshua 10
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Joshua 10 about?
What does Joshua 10 say?
What does Joshua 10 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Joshua 10?
Why is Joshua 10 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice where Joshua prayed: "he said in the sight of Israel." Not quietly, not privately. He asked God to stop the sun with the whole army watching, knowing they would all see if nothing happened. That kind of prayer costs something. When did you last ask God for something out loud, where someone could hear you hope?
Adoni-Zedek was not shaken by a weak neighbor. He panicked because Gibeon was "a great city, as one of the royal cities... and all its men were mighty," and those mighty men had laid down their weapons and made peace with Israel. Strength that surrenders unsettles the world more than strength that fights. What are you still defending that God is asking you to hand over?
They did so, and brought those five kings out to him out of the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon."
Five kings, hidden in a cave, dragged into daylight. What we bury in darkness rarely stays buried. The fears you tucked away, the sins you sealed behind a stone, God still knows their names. He calls them out, not to shame you, but so you can finally stop running.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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