Sun and moon grinding to a halt : exegetical remarks on Joshua 10:9-14 and related texts in Judges

Abstract

Attempts to solve the enigma of the extended day may be classified into two groups. Several interpretations are based on the natural sciences. Recently, however, as far as the construction of the passage is concerned, renewed attention has been given to the possible role of religious customs, mythology and omens in connection with ancient military strategy. Against this background, the sun and moon are viewed as deities and told to remain passive in the battle. Omen texts from Mesopotamia related to warfare, and based on the "favourable" or "unfavourable" position of the sun and moon, seem to have impacted on the passage as well. Others have interpreted the sun in terms of mythical and/or theological categories. This paper avers that an interpretation in terms of the mythical millwheel may help to explain the meaning of the passage.