Podcasts about Gibeon

Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.5 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,6 These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;8 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.12 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.21 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.22 The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.24 The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.25 The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.27 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.28 The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two.29 The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.30 The men of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.31 The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.32 The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.34 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.35 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.39 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.40 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.41 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.42 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.44 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,47 The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,48 The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai,49 The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,50 The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,54 The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,55 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,56 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,58 The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,59 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.60 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.61 And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel.62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.63 And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.65 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,67 Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.68 Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five:69 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.70 And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.

What does it mean to lead with unwavering faith in the face of overwhelming challenges? In this inspiring episode of Who's Who in the Bible, Fr. Joseph Royan, C.Ss.R., takes viewers on a journey through the remarkable life of Joshua, one of Scripture's most influential leaders. From stepping into the immense responsibility of succeeding Moses to guiding the Israelites into the land promised by God, Joshua's story is a powerful witness to courage, obedience, and trust. Explore key moments from his leadership, including the crossing of the Jordan River, the victory at Jericho, and the decisive events at Gibeon—each revealing how faith in God can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.More than a story of conquest, this reflection uncovers Joshua's enduring message of commitment to God. His challenge to the people of Israel to remain faithful continues to resonate with believers today, offering valuable lessons for anyone seeking direction, purpose, and spiritual strength. Join this enriching exploration of Joshua's legacy and discover how his steadfast confidence in God's promises can inspire your own walk of faith.

In this Bible Story, we peer into the dreams of Solomon where God asks him to request anything and it would be given. Solomon asked for wisdom and a kind heart to lead his people. God grants this to Solomon, and gives him more than he could have ever asked for. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 3-4 & 2 Chronicles 1. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 4:29 from the King James Version.Episode 114: Solomon, having big plans for the peace of his country and the temple of his Lord, married Pharaoh's daughter as a sign of political union. After worshiping God at Gibeon, Solomon returned home where he encountered the voice of God in a dream. In this encounter, God grants his request for wisdom to govern the people well. The very next day, he would have an opportunity to experience the wisdom that God said He would give him.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.10 And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.14 But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.22 And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.23 After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.28 From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.30 After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.32 And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

Friday Bible Study (5/22/26) // Rebuilding the Wall // 3 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them[a] Zaccur the son of Imri built.3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. 5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.[b]6 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah.[c] They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 7 And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. 8 Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of[d] Jerusalem, repaired. 10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. 11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits[e] of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.15 And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king's garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David. 16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. 17 After him the Levites repaired: Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. 18 After him their brothers repaired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah. 19 Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress.[f] 20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired[g] another section from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz

Joshua 10:4 (BSB) - “Come up and help me. We will attack Gibeon, because they have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.”

The Battle of Gibeon 12Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.13And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them at the pool of Gibeon. And they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. 14And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men arise and compete before us. And Joab said, Let them arise. 15Then they arose and passed over by number, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 16And each caught his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent's side, so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is at Gibeon. 17And the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David. 18And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle. 19And Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. 20Then Abner looked behind him and said, Is it you, Asahel? And he answered, It is I.21Abner said to him, Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his spoil. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. 22And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?23But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still. 24But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. And as the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.25And the people of Benjamin gathered themselves together behind Abner and became one group and took their stand on the top of a hill. 26Then Abner called to Joab, Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you tell your people to turn from the pursuit of their brothers? 27And Joab said, As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely the men would not have given up the pursuit of their brothers until the morning. 28So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the men stopped and pursued Israel no more, nor did they fight anymore. 29And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, and marching the whole morning, they came to Mahanaim. 30Joab returned from the pursuit of Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing from David's servants nineteen men besides Asahel.31But the servants of David had struck down of Benjamin 360 of Abner's men. 32And they took up Asahel and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was at Bethlehem. And Joab and his men marched all night, and the day broke upon them at Hebron. Abner Joins David 3There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. 2And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; 3and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 4and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;5and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron. 6While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. 7Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Why have you gone in to my father's concubine? 8Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, Am I a dog's head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman. 9God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him,10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba. 11And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. 12And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf,saying, To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you. 13And he said, Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face. 14Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines. 15And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish. 16But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, Go, return. And he returned. 17And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you. 18Now then bring it about, for the Lordhas promised David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.19Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do. 20When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. 21And Abner said to David, I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires. So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. 22Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. 23When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace. 24Then Joab went to the king and said, What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone?25You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing. Joab Murders Abner 26When Joab came out from David's presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it. 27And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.28Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the Lord for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread! 30So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had put their brother Asahel to death in the battle at Gibeon. David Mourns Abner 31Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner. And King David followed the bier. 32They buried Abner at Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. 33And the king lamented for Abner, saying, Should Abner die as a fool dies?34Your hands were not bound;your feet were not fettered;as one falls before the wickedyou have fallen. And all the people wept again over him. 35Then all the people came to persuade David to eat bread while it was yet day. But David swore, saying, God do so to me and more also, if I taste bread or anything else till the sun goes down! 36And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people. 37So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it had not been the king's will to put to death Abner the son of Ner. 38And the king said to his servants, Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 39And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The Lord repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!

I Kings 3:1-17 // Jonathan NeefThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604662 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new26.05.10

I Kings 3:1-17 // Brooks NesseThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604663 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new26.05.10

I Kings 3:1-17 // Gabe CoyleThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604664 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new26.05.10

I Kings 3:1-17 // Taylor FairThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604665 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new26.05.10

I Kings 3:1-17 // Paul BrandesThis sermon covers the early reign of king Solomon and his humble encounter with God at Gibeon. Faced with the massive responsibility of leading a nation, Solomon recognizes his own limitations and asks for an understanding heart rather than wealth or long life. We look at the sincerity of his prayer and how his desire to discern between good and evil pleased the lord. This passage teaches us about the value of spiritual priorities and how God provides the tools necessary for the tasks he calls us to complete.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49604661 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2574/responses/new26.05.10

Joshua 10 opens with a significant shift in the battle for the Promised Land. Up until this point, Joshua and the Israelites had faced isolated battles—Jericho, Ai, and smaller strategic engagements. But at this point something shifts. The victories of Israel have begun to ripple through the land, and the surrounding kings realize that this is no longer a local problem. Israel is advancing. Territory is being lost to them. And fear is spreading. When the king of Jerusalem hears that Gibeon has made peace with Israel, he understands the threat immediately. Gibeon was not a small village—it was a powerful city with strong warriors, strategically positioned in the heart of the region. Its alignment with Israel changed everything and posed a threat to his city and the region. So instead of responding alone, five Amorite kings unite together in opposition. What began as one battle suddenly became a coalition war. Joshua was now facing his greatest military challenge yet. A regional alliance had formed. Opposition was multiplying. The pressure was escalating. And the enemy was no longer waiting behind fortified walls—they were mobilizing together. But what appeared to be a moment of overwhelming threat would become one of the greatest demonstrations of the power of God in the entire book of Joshua. Because Joshua 10 is not merely about war—it is about what happens when opposition rises, when pressure intensifies, and when the people of God discover that heaven still fights for those who walk in obedience to Him.

Sunday 3rd May 2026 - West SiteSpeaker - Alice MeadsAlice starts a new series, explaining that we all get to play a part in building the Church.________________Nehemiah 3 v 1-141) Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2)  The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them.3)  The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4)  Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5)  The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.6)  The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. 7)  Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah – Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth – places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates. 8)  Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9)  Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section. 10)  Adjoining this, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him. 11)  Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12)  Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.13)  The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. They also repaired a thousand cubits[c] of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.14)  The Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah son of Rekab, ruler of the district of Beth Hakkerem. He rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place._______________Recorded at West Site - 03May2026

Nehemiah 3:1-32 ESV Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate. Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king's garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David. After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. After him the Levites repaired: Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. After him their brothers repaired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah. Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress. After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired another section from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib. After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area, repaired. After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah repaired beside his own house. After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress and to the corner. Palal the son of Uzai repaired opposite the buttress and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. After him the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel. Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house. After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired. After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber. After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner. And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.

“Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon. There has been no day like it before or since, when Jehovah heeded the voice of a man, for Jehovah fought for Israel.” (Joshua 10:12, 14)

In our last episode, Joshua and his troops defeated Jericho, but one man chose to reject God's command to set apart everything for destruction, which led to a heartbreaking defeat at Ai and a difficult task for Joshua. After the guilty party is stoned, the Lord turns from his burning anger and Joshua leads the people to victory. The nations hear of Israel's conquests and plan to form a coalition and fight against Israel, but the inhabitants of Gibeon decide to take a different approach. Later, the sun stands still as Joshua fights the Amorites and the Lord kills more of their foes with hail than Israel kills with the sword. Joshua 8 - 1:06 .  Joshua 9 - 9:08 .  Joshua 10 - 14:28 .  Psalm 72 - 20:12 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness.4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.6 And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.9 Now, O Lord God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.13 Then Solomon came from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon to Jerusalem, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel.14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.15 And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance.16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.17 And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.

Synopsis: A false prophet from Gibeon named Hananiah came to Jerusalem and contradicted God's word spoken through Jeremiah. He broke Jeremiah's yoke of wood for emphasis, yet God revealed yokes of iron were made to replace them. Hananiah was swiftly and severely judged by God for causing people to trust lies, and all who turn away from God's truth and rebel against Him will face judgment as well. Verses in order of appearance: Jeremiah 25:11 Jeremiah 28:1-4 Jeremiah 28:5-6 Jeremiah 27:22 Jeremiah 28:7-9 Isaiah 8:19-20 Deuteronomy 18:20-22 Jeremiah 28:10-11 Luke 4:28-32 Jeremiah 28:12-14 Haggai 1:5-6 Jeremiah 28:15-17 James 3:1 2 Timothy 3:16-17 2 Timothy 4:1-4 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Numbers 14 Joshua 9 Jeremiah 2 Psalm 119:105 John 8:12 John 10:34

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.3 And Joab answered, The Lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?4 Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.5 And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah was four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.6 But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.8 And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.9 And the Lord spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying,10 Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee12 Either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.13 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man.14 So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.15 And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the Lord beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.17 And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.18 Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.19 And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spake in the name of the Lord.20 And Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and his four sons with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.21 And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshingfloor, and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground.22 Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.23 And Ornan said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in his eyes: lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all.24 And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.25 So David gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.26 And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the Lord; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.27 And the Lord commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof.28 At that time when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there.29 For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon.30 But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the Lord.

Join Rod Hembree and Janice on Bible Discovery TV as they delve into the life of King Solomon, exploring the complexities of his wisdom and disobedience. This engaging audio segment covers 1 Kings 3 and highlights Solomon's treaty with Egypt, his sacrifices at Gibeon, and his request for wisdom from God. Discover the lessons from Solomon's reign and the biblical insights on worship and obedience in this thought-provoking episode.

Sermon by Pastor BJ VanAmanRecorded March 22, 2026

After the victories over Jericho and Ai and the reading of the law, Israel is ready to start the next phase of the campaign. However, it starts with a bit of controversy including a covenant that eventually needs to be fulfilled. Fulfilling that covenant is what leads to one of the greatest victories so far in taking the Promised Land.If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please leave a 5 star rating and review. If you want to get in touch with the show, the email is given in the episode. Bible Backdrop is available on Apple, Spotify and wherever podcasts are found.

1 Kings 3:4-14The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you, and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil, for who can govern this great people of yours?”It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or for the life of your enemies but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed, I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you, and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.” Listen to your heart when's he's calling for you. Listen to your heart, there's nothing else you can do. I don't know where you're going and I don't know why, but listen to your heart, before you tell him goodbye. Yes, that's Roxette's 1988 power-ballad “Listen to Your Heart.” Be honest: how many of you wore out the cassette tape, belting it in the car? Songwriter Per Gessle says he wrote the tune after an all-night talk with his best friend whose marriage was crumbling. That pep-talk became a #1 hit, but here's my problem with Per: catchy tune. Terrible advice; not only to his friend, but to the millions of people who listen to that song and think, “that's how I'll know what to do, I just need to listen to my heart.” The sentiment has become the go-to cliché for discernment. The motto sounds innocent enough, but its implications are anything but. “Listening to your heart” is really code for turning inward—figuring out what you want, what you think you need—and letting that be the deciding factor. We say it all the time in different ways: To the student choosing a major, study what makes you happy. To the friend considering a relationship, be with the one who makes you happy. To anyone eyeing a new city or job, go where you'll be happy. With this Roxette wisdom, the most important person in the equation is you, and the measure of a good choice is whatever benefits you most. After all, as the song says, “there's nothing else you can do.”Except there is. Because sooner or later we realize that turning inward pulls us in a dozen directions. We don't really know what we want; we misjudge what will make us happy—and we end up right back where we started, unsure what to do next. That's the crossroads where Solomon stood, and his prayer flips the slogan on its head: discernment isn't listening to your heart; it's asking God for a listening heart, one attuned to God and to the people around you.That request, a listening heart, is the heartbeat of this prayer. But notice how it starts. God says to the brand-new king, “Ask me for what I should give you.” Translation: Anything you want, Solomon - name it. Solomon responds with a little speech about how great God is and how faithful God was to his father David. It sounds a bit like a child buttering up a parent before the big ask: “Mom, you're the best mom; can I have candy for breakfast?”Solomon even calls himself “a little child who doesn't know how to go out or come in.” Meaning, he has zero military experience; he doesn't know how to lead an army out or bring one home—let alone guide a nation. That honesty is ironic, given how Solomon reached the throne. He wasn't ushered in by popular acclaim like his father David; others were ahead of him. With some help, he muscled his way in, banishing rivals to far-off places, arranging a few convenient deaths. He rose less like an anointed king and more like a mafia boss. Now he admits he's in over his head.Solomon fought hard to reach the throne, only to realize he suddenly doesn't know what to do. He could have made a candy-for-breakfast request—asking for the things kings usually crave: a long life, a larger kingdom, protection from rival nations. Had he turned inward and listened to his own heart, that's likely what he would have asked for. But he doesn't. Instead, he owns up to his limits and asks for help: “Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil, for who can govern this great people of yours?” Understanding mind doesn't quite get at the depth of the Hebrew. Solomon is literally asking for a listening heart. In the Old Testament world, the heart was the decision-making center where thought and passion met. Notice he isn't asking for a good heart, but a listening one: attentive to the petitions of the people he now leads, tuned to God's voice, able to choose between good and evil—between what brings life and what brings death.This request almost seems surprising to God, who expected riches and long life and the death of enemies. But because Solomon did not ask for any of that, God gives the new king not only what he asked for, but also the very things he didn't.This is not a story telling us that if we butter God up just right and ask for the perfect thing, God will give it to us and then some. Rather, what I hope you see is that we have all been in something like Solomon's position. Sure, you haven't acted like the Godfather to get what you want—or at least I hope not. But all of us have found ourselves in a situation where others need us, depend on us, and we don't know what to do. Maybe it's something you've always wanted, something you've envisioned a thousand times, but once you finally arrived, you realized you had no idea what you were doing. Or perhaps you were thrust into a position you never wanted, and suddenly people are looking to you for help.It's the newly married couple with no idea what they've gotten themselves into. The new father who is overwhelmed with parenting. The person who just got a promotion—or a divorce, or a diagnosis, or a diploma—but has no idea what to do next.What Solomon shows us is that rather than listen to your heart, we ask God for a listening heart: one that opens us to the needs of those around us, makes us aware of how our decisions affect others, and leads us to choose what brings life, not just for ourselves, but for all people. That's true discernment. And that's the prayer we carry with us tonight: God, give me a listening heart. In my home, in my work, in every place where others are depending on me. In those moments when I feel over my head and don't know what to do, teach me to listen to you, and to those around me, so that what I choose leads to life.Amen.

Send a textThe news cycle trains us to see war as strategy, alliances, and headlines but what if there's a spiritual war underneath the surface that most people refuse to name? We take a hard look at Iran through a biblical lens and ask a simpler, sharper question: does God still act in history, or have we quietly decided he doesn't keep a record anymore?We start where clarity always starts: the Word of God. We talk about why so many Christians ignore the Old Testament, why daily Bible reading is not optional, and why John's claim that “the Word became flesh” still changes everything. Jesus isn't an idea or a mascot; he is the living center of Scripture, and knowing him requires more than vibes and quick verses.Then we go to Joshua 10 and the battle of Gibeon, a story that forces modern readers to wrestle with divine justice, covenant faithfulness, and God fighting for his people. From there, we connect the “cup of iniquity” to current events and to the uncomfortable reality that grace does not rewrite God's character. Grace pulls us closer to the table of fellowship, not farther from truth.We also address Iran's decades of brutality, especially the devastation of women's rights since 1979, and we challenge the moral blindness that can make people celebrate slogans while ignoring real suffering. Finally, we talk about how God uses flawed leaders, why that should humble us, and why the mission remains repentance, mercy, and hope as God gathers a harvest in an increasingly intense world. If this helped you think clearly, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review then tell us: what truth do you think people are avoiding right now?Support the show

Join Rod Hembree and Janice in this engaging episode of Bible Discovery as they delve into the historical and spiritual insights of Judges Chapter 1. Discover the journey of the Kenites and the significance of ancient cities like Jerusalem and Gibeon. With contributions from Corey and Ryan on archaeological insights and ancient locks, this episode enriches your understanding of biblical history and its relevance today. Perfect for those interested in deepening their biblical knowledge.

"Now it came to pass, when Adonizedec king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them; That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty. Wherefore Adonizedec king of Jerusalem, sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying, Come up unto me, and help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel. Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it. And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us. So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour. And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night. And the Lord discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah. And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lordhearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel. And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah. And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them: And stay ye not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the Lord your God hath delivered them into your hand. And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities. And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave. And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto 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." Joshua 10:1-23

 "And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof; That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord. And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us. And the men of Israel said unto the Hivites, Peradventure ye dwell among us; and how shall we make a league with you? And they said unto Joshua, We are thy servants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye? and from whence come ye? And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the Lord thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt, And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which was at Ashtaroth. Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We are your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us. This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy: And these bottles of wine, which we filled, were new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey. And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them. And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim. And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them. And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them. And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We are very far from you; when ye dwell among us?Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God. And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the Lord thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing. And now, behold, we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do.And so did he unto them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they slew them not." Joshua 9: 1-26

In the tenth chapter of the book of Joshua, we read how, as Israel fought for occupation of the Promised Land at Gibeon, Joshua asked the Lord to stop the sun so that Israel could finish its battle. According to Joshua 10:13, the sun stopped in mid‑sky and did not set for nearly an entire day. According to the most accurate dating, this was about 1400 BC.Our modern scientific age knows that the earth, which weighs billions of tons, revolves around the sun while turning on its axis. In order for the sun to stand still in its apparent movement across the sky, the earth would have to stop spinning. The earth spins at a speed of about 1,000 miles per hour. If it were to suddenly stop, the force would rip the earth apart. All of this is what science tells us. And from these facts, science therefore concludes that the sun could not have stopped in its path across the sky. But this final conclusion is not scientific, even if all the other facts are true.Joshua 10 tells us that God made the sun stop in its apparent path. Science admits that it cannot tell us what God can or cannot do. Science can only tell us that it would be very unlikely for the sun to stand still in the sky. But Joshua 10:14 tells us this and more—this had never happened before and had not happened again at the time Joshua was written.It's not surprising, then, to learn that, according to Aztec lore from Mexico, virtually on the other side of the world, the sun failed to rise for an entire day in the City of the Gods around 1400 BC.Joshua 10:13"And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day."Prayer: Dear Lord, our age is a materialistic age where we deny what we cannot understand. I confess that I cannot understand how the sun could appear to stop in the sky, but I know that Your Word says that You did this great miracle. Grant me your Holy Spirit so that I may not be infected with the doubt that so permeates the world. Amen.REF.: Sitchin, Zecharia. How Jericho fell. The Christian News. Image: The Sun and the Moon Stand Still, Camden Press, CC0, Wikimedia Commons + Aztec calendar stone, Boston Public Library, PD, Wikimedia. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Double Tap - Ep 450 This episode of Double Tap is brought to you by: Gideon Optics (Code: WLSISLIFE) Primary Arms Blue Alpha Rost Martin (Code: WLSISLIFE) Otis Technology (Code: WELIKESHOOTING15) Mitchell Defense (Code: WLS10) Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 New Public notes page. DEAR WLS Question from Peter J from WA Dear WLS: as far as carry guns go, what is important? Optics, comp/ port, trigger, capacity, comfortability, conceal availability, type of holster, or anything else you can think of? Or it's just the plain Jane G 19 stock type good to go? Question from Duke of Crude from TX Duke of Crude: What's up with Taylor and co? I thought they made high end lever actions, but I have been getting a ton of adds for what looks like a high point revolver (model 963) that's “Taylor and co”. Did their brand get high jacked from Turkish importers or are these things for real? Thanks! Notes: what happened to the new years dead pool episode? Did I miss it or were you waiting on Aaron to get back? Question from Micah Wells from Michigan Question! Why hasn't anyone come up with a quick release pistol dot or base/mount? Something like we use on rifles? You know, in case a problem arises that requires the whole thing to get out of the way in order to use BUIS. (AKA, crushed glass, debris, external fogging, etc.) I know all of my serious stuff utilizes a QR mount. Thanks, Micah Wells Question from Dusky from Florida Hi. Question. Can/Should you shoot lead round nose 22lr through a suppressor? (Have a modular can that can easily be disassembled and cleaned) Is this an issue, if so is it about the lead exposure, sound performance, or just a safety factor? Thank you. Is the Dusky. No Notes. Question from Ken G. from VA Ask WLS: My state has fallen. This year will likely see an onslaught of anti gun legislation passed. Moving is not an option. My firearms collection is pretty diverse. If you were in my shoes with YOUR collection, $3k, and less than six months to make purchases, what are you buying? Ken G. Sic Semper Tyrannis Question from Anonymous Coward from KS Dear WLS Hey Jeremy, how much for the old Harley? Question from Anonymous Coward from Ohio Hello I was wondering if there is a coupon code for pew locker? Thanks for all you guys do for the fun community. And the is show is way better without Aaron. Hope this is a permanent change. GUN INDUSTRY NEWS Gear Review: Protecting Red Dot Sights and Other Optics The article provides a guide on protecting red dot sights and other colored optics from environmental damage. It covers methods to shield optics during use and storage in the firearms industry. Techniques focus on maintaining optic clarity and functionality. Tandemkross TKX22 Light Rifle At SHOT Show 2026, Tandemkross unveiled the TKX22 Light Rifle, their first complete firearm, designed as a lightweight .22LR semi-automatic rifle. It features a direct impingement gas system and modular components optimized for competition and recreational shooting. The rifle emphasizes reduced weight and enhanced ergonomics compared to traditional .22LR platforms. Mehler Protection Presents Omega Jaw First Mandible Guard with AK47 Protection Meeting VPAM 6 Mehler Protection has introduced the Omega Jaw, the first mandible guard offering protection against AK47 rounds while meeting VPAM 6 standards. This product targets the vulnerabilities in modern combat helmets by providing specialized jaw protection. It represents a significant advancement in ballistic facial armor for military and law enforcement applications. NSWC Cranes New Low-Cost Drone Killer Cartridge Achieves 92% Kill Rate in Demonstration NSWC Crane demonstrated a new low-cost drone killer cartridge that achieved a 92% kill rate against small drones during a recent event. The cartridge is designed as an affordable counter-drone solution for military applications. Specific technical details on the cartridge's design or components are not provided in the article. Tisas Arms Corp Begins Operations in Georgia Tisas Arms Corp has commenced manufacturing operations at a new 100,000 sq ft facility in Hiram, Georgia. The plant will produce 1911 pistols, forged rifles, and shotguns for the U.S. market. This expansion supports increased domestic production and local employment. Versa58 Closes Kickstarter Campaign at Over 560% Funded Versa58 has successfully concluded its Kickstarter campaign, surpassing its funding goal by over 560%, validating market demand for its reversible modular suppressor architecture. The campaign highlights strong interest in the innovative design that allows bidirectional modularity. This achievement positions Versa58 as a promising entrant in the suppressor market. Cabot Guns Apocalypse 2.0 Pistol Cabot Guns has announced the Apocalypse 2.0, a luxury 1911-style pistol crafted from meteorite material for 2026 release. The handgun features a 5-inch barrel, ambidextrous thumb safety, and beavertail grip safety, with all components machined from Gibeon meteorite. It represents an evolution of the original Apocalypse model with refined aesthetics and enhanced ergonomics. SDS Imports Tisas Break Sets Indoor Speed Shooting World Record SDS Imports' Tisas Break, a .22LR revolver, set a new world record for the fastest indoor speed shooting at the 2026 Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championship. The event took place at the PRGC Range in Piru, California, where the revolver achieved a time of 59.99 seconds in the Steel Challenge's Speed Options match. This marks the first revolver to claim the indoor speed shooting world record. Before we let you go – JOIN GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA We'd love if you supported the show, join Agency 171 at agency171.com. Lot's of prizes, rewards and kick ass swag. No matter how tough your battle is today, we want you here fight with us tomorrow. Don't struggle in silence, you can contact the suicide prevention line by dialing 988 from your phone. Remember – Always prefer Dangerous Freedom over peaceful slavery. We'll see you next time! Nick – @busbuiltsystems | Bus Built Systems Jeremy – @ret_actual | Rivers Edge Tactical Aaron – @machinegun_moses Savage – @savage1r Shawn – @dangerousfreedomyt | @camorado.cam | Camorado Posted on February 23, 2026

If our faith is only shaped by our _____________ we stop reaching for the _____________________.[Psalm 13:1-2] O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? [2] How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?Over time our faith can shift from _____________________ to _____________________.[Joshua 9:14-15] So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD. [15] Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath.Even if our faith starts _____________________, God is not _____________________.[Joshua 10:5] So these five Amorite kings combined their armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked Gibeon.God can _____________________ even the parts of our story that started _____________________.[Joshua 10:12-14] On the day the LORD gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the LORD in front of all the people of Israel. He said, "Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon." [13] So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in [The Book of Jashar]? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. [14] There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day!The God who created _____________________ is not _____________________ by it.[Ephesians 3:20-21] Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. [21] Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.Unanswered prayers don't mean God is ________________.

We are following some crazy, but true stories for you today that serve to remind us of just where we are on the end times timeline. First, United States Marines in a restricted military training area near the MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) training town in Quantico, Virginia have come forward with a report that they saw a Bigfoot in wild at night last summer. Then we travel to the state of Minnesota where we see something even more unusual, overt satanism at the highest levels of government that seems to be resulting in chaos, confusion and death in cities like Minneapolis. What on Earth is going on? Glad you asked, today we tell you all about it.“For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.” Isaiah 28:21 (KJB)

By God's hand, Joshua subdues the land from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza and from Goshen to Gibeon. Other Canaanite kings retaliate, and Joshua defeats them too. God tells them to allocate to the Israelites, even land not yet conquered. Joshua 10:29-43;11:1-21;12:1-24;13:1-33. #everydaychristians

Wednesday, 24 December 2025   Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” Matthew 15:15   “And Peter, having answered, he said to Him, ‘You expound to us this parable'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that if the blind-conductors are also blind, they will both fall into a pit. Having finished His words, Matthew notes, “And Peter, having answered, he said to Him.”   Peter heard something that needed clarification from Jesus' words. Therefore, he continues, “You expound to us this parable.”   Here is a new word, phrazó. It is found only here in the New Testament. It means to indicate by word or act. Thus, it is rightly defined as “expound,” which signifies to explain the meaning in a detailed manner. Peter goes back to Jesus' words of verse 15:11, not knowing the meaning of the parable –   “Not the ‘entering into the mouth' it profanes the man, but the ‘proceeding from the mouth,' this, it profanes the man.”   The problem with Peter's words is that Jesus wasn't speaking in a parable at that time. Hence, he misunderstood the intent of Jesus' words. For this, he will receive a rather stern rebuke, followed by a more detailed explanation of Jesus' intent.   Life application: It is not always easy to know when something in the Bible is being spoken literally, metaphorically, in parable, or in some other way. It is also difficult to determine if what is being spoken of is one thing rather than another.   A good example of this is found in Joshua –   Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, And the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge Upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. 14 And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel.   Translations generally assume that Joshua's words indicate that the sun and moon literally stood still in the heavens. This is then bolstered by the words of verses 13 and 14. However, the words are poetic, having been included in the Book of Jasher. The way it properly reads and what is happening is as follows –   “Then, he will speak, Joshua to Yehovah, in day gave Yehovah the Amorite to faces sons Israel, and he said to eyes Israel:   ‘Sun, in Gibeon, you must be silent. And moon in depth Aijalon.' And is muted, the sun. And moon stood. Until he will avenge nation – his hatings.   Not it written upon scroll the Upright (One)? And it stood, the sun, in the half the heavens and not it hastened to go, according to day complete. And not it was according to day, the it, to its faces and after it, to hearken, Yehovah, in voice man, for Yehovah being fought to Israel.” (CG)   Notice the structure:   V.12 – [Then, he will speak, Joshua to Yehovah, in day gave Yehovah the Amorite to faces sons Israel, and he said to eyes Israel].   V.13 Until he will avenge nation [Israel] – his hatings.   V.15 - And not it was according to day, the it, to its faces and after it, [to hearken, Yehovah, in voice man, for Yehovah being fought to Israel].   The bracketing thoughts explain what the exceptional thing was. It wasn't that the sun and moon stood still in the skies. Rather, it was that the Lord listened to the voice of a man and fought for Israel.   As you read the Bible, understand that what you are reading has been translated by man. A translator comes to the text with biases and presuppositions. If he is only a translator, he is also trying to make sense out of very difficult language. Therefore, it is natural to make assumptions based on a lack of study.   Even scholars will start with presuppositions, reading a translation first and then working with that picture in their minds. Because of this, be careful to stop and contemplate what you are reading from other perspectives. You may find that what you thought was correct was not.   In the end, you will get out of the word as much as you put in.   O God, may we be willing to carefully consider all things Your word tells us. Help us not to get caught up in sensationalism or “going with the pack” mentality. May we first and foremost consider what You are telling us and why. Help us in this so that our time of study will be methodical and filled with proper insights concerning Your word. Amen.  

Kry die nuus soos dit breek.

'n Groep gegriefde boere het Dinsdag in Gibeon betoog teen die toestaan van borgtog aan veediefstal-beskuldigdes. Die verdagtes het na bewering 66 beeste met 'n geraamde waarde van 1,4 miljoen Namibiese dollar gesteel. Christiaan Swartbooi, 'n verteenwoordiger van die Gibeon Boerevereniging, is aan die woord.

This chapter highlights God speaking to Solomon at Gibeon.

Bring out those five kings- Joshua did not let up in his pursuit of the enemies of Israel after their victory at Gibeon. Why did Joshua execute the five Amorite kings so ruthlessly? Was he too harsh in his treatment of them? Is there sin hiding in your life that you have yet to deal with?

The sun stood still- Joshua and the children of Israel marched all night long to fight at Gibeon and see the victory that God had already promised. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to arrive at a place of true repentance and see sin defeated in your life? If so, God is willing to do the impossible.

When self-righteousness is king- An enemy alliance led by Adoni-Zedek, the king of Jerusalem, threatened Gibeon and Israel. When self-righteousness is on the throne of our hearts it leads to all kinds of problems in our lives.

When compromise comes- The people of Gibeon thought better than to engage with Israel in war, so they came disguised as travelers to try and make a treaty. God has given us discernment by His Spirit to recognize the strategies our enemy uses to tempt us.

2533 - Retracing Joshua's conquest through ancient Gibeon, present day al-Jib, continues. At Samuel's tomb God's supernatural intervention in defeating five Amorite Kings is considered. Satan's plan of conquest through the Babylonian Empire is discussed.

Send us a textFive kings join forces to attack Gibeon, and Joshua rushes to help after praying for God's guidance. God promises to be with Israel. Joshua leads a nighttime march for a surprise attack, and God sends a storm with giant hailstones that scatter the enemy. When Joshua sees the battle will last past sunset, he prays a bold prayer. God makes the sun stand still over Gibeon and the moon pause so Israel can finish the fight. It becomes a day unlike any other because God listened to a leader who trusted Him. Kids will learn to pray first, act with courage, and remember that God keeps His promises.Talk about it:Why did the five kings attack Gibeon, and how did Joshua respond?What did God do to help Israel during the battle?Why did Joshua ask God to make the sun stand still?What is one brave prayer you can pray when you need God's help?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe'd love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.Or write to us by mail:Kathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

As the Israelites are called to defend their treaty with Gibeon, they come against a powerful enemy. As he has done before, God moves the resources of heaven to defend and fight for his people. He has also done the same for you in Christ. From Joshua 10.

Theme: Covenant Renewal and the Danger of Compromise Pastor Matthew continued the Joshua series, focusing on Joshua chapters 9 and 10—the story of the Gibeonite deception and Israel's response. The message explored how deception, presumption, and failure to seek God's direction lead to spiritual compromise, but also how God's mercy and power still prevail through covenant faithfulness. The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9) After the miraculous victories at Jericho and Ai, news spread throughout Canaan about Israel's power under God's command. While other kings prepared for war, the Gibeonites chose deception: they disguised themselves as distant travelers, wearing old clothes and carrying moldy bread to make Israel believe they came from far away. “The devil doesn't always come at you head-on. Sometimes he comes dressed as something harmless, familiar, or even friendly.” Israel's leaders failed to consult the Lord before making a covenant with them. “They examined the evidence but didn't pray. That's where the failure happened.” Lesson: “Not everything that looks right is right. When you stop seeking God's counsel, you open yourself up to deception.” The Power and Permanence of Covenant Once the truth was revealed—that the Gibeonites were local inhabitants—Israel wanted to destroy them, but Joshua refused, because they had sworn an oath before the Lord. “You don't break covenant just because it's inconvenient. When you give your word before God, He expects you to honor it.” Joshua made the Gibeonites servants in the house of God, cutting wood and drawing water for the altar. “Even in discipline, God gives a place of grace. The Gibeonites ended up serving in the temple—better to be a servant in God's house than a warrior outside of it.” Application: Keep your word, integrity matters. God honors covenant even when we fail to discern perfectly. His mercy can redeem our mistakes and bring them into His purpose. Spiritual Warning — The Cost of Presumption Pastor reminded that Israel's misstep came not from rebellion but assumption: “They assumed they knew what to do because it looked obvious. But assumption is the enemy of revelation.” He linked this to modern believers: People presume God's approval because of success or blessing. Churches presume direction because of tradition. “We don't pray about things anymore because we think we already know the answer. That's dangerous ground.” Joshua 10 — When the Enemy Attacks Your Covenant Five Amorite kings formed an alliance to destroy Gibeon for aligning with Israel. The Gibeonites cried out to Joshua for help—and Joshua honored the covenant, marching all night from Gilgal to defend them. “When you make covenant before God, He'll expect you to keep it even when it costs you sleep, comfort, or convenience.” God honored Joshua's obedience with supernatural victory: The enemy was thrown into confusion. Large hailstones fell from heaven, killing more than the sword. The sun stood still over Gibeon as Joshua prayed for extended daylight. “When you honor covenant, God honors you. Heaven will move time itself to fulfill His word through a faithful servant.” The Sun Stands Still — God's Power in Partnership Pastor emphasized that God didn't act until Joshua spoke in faith: “The miracle didn't happen until Joshua opened his mouth. Faith is voice-activated.” This battle revealed divine partnership—God works through people who trust His covenant and speak His promises. “God didn't tell Joshua to pray for the sun to stand still—he just believed big enough to ask. That's faith that moves creation.” Application: Don't wait for the perfect conditions to believe in miracles. When you walk in covenant obedience, heaven backs your faith. God Finishes What He Starts Joshua captured the five kings and had them brought before Israel. He instructed his commanders to place their feet on the necks of the defeated kings. “That's a picture of what Christ does through us. He lets us stand in His victory.” Pastor tied this to Romans 16:20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Spiritual Principle: “God gives you victory not just to end a battle—but to establish dominion. When you stand in covenant authority, the enemy is beneath your feet.” Closing Reflections Never stop seeking God's direction, even after victories. Keep covenant—your word matters to heaven. Faith speaks boldly—God moves through the believing voice. Victory comes through obedience, not shortcuts. Don't mistake mercy for approval—learn from Gibeon's deception but walk in Joshua's faith. Bro. Matthew concluded with a call to vigilance and worship: “We're living in days of deception. Don't trust what looks right—trust what God says. Stay prayed up, stay in the Word, and you'll see the sun stand still in your life too.”

Send us a textNews of Israel's victories spreads, and the people of Gibeon hatch a sneaky plan: they dress in worn-out clothes, carry crumbly bread, and pretend to be from far away so Joshua will make peace with them. The leaders look at the evidence, taste the bread—and forget to pray. Three days later, they discover the truth. Because they had promised safety, Israel keeps its word, and the Gibeonites become woodcutters and water carriers for God's house. This story teaches discernment, the importance of asking God for guidance, and why keeping our promises matters. Talk about it:Why did the Gibeonites pretend to be from a faraway country?What important step did Joshua and the leaders forget?Why did Israel keep its promise even after learning the truth?What jobs did the Gibeonites do afterward, and what can we learn from that?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe'd love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.Or write to us by mail:Kathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

We trace Joshua 10 from five kings attacking Gibeon to God's hail and a halted sun, then pivot to why Scripture says the day was unique: God listened to a man. We rethink prayer habits—short, corporate, faith-filled—and ask God to involve us in the answer.• five kings unite against gibeon• overnight march and panic in the enemy• hailstones fall and tip the battle• sun stands still to complete the victory• kings trapped, feet on their necks• gospel thread from joshua to jesus• prayer as the hinge between god's work and ours• corporate prayer as the biblical norm• faith over fluency, short prayers welcomed• gratitude as a regular practice in prayer• asking to be part of the answer, not just the outcome If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

Today, we're going to be considering one of the most remarkable occurrences in all the Bible.  It happened on a day when an ordinary man asked an extraordinary God for a miracle of the highest order. He asked for the sun to stand still. And it did!In Joshua 10, Joshua and his troops marched all night to come to the aid of their allies, the Gibeonites. A coalition of five kings had marched against Gibeon, seeking to take control of this strategic location before Joshua could occupy it. But Joshua's move surprised the enemy, the Lord threw them into confusion, and the rout was on. However, as night approached, Joshua realized they were running out of time. If these armies escaped to their walled cities, he would have to conquer them one by one, a process that would cost him time and men. So, he offered a shamelessly audacious prayer.  He asked God to make the sun stand still.And, amazingly, God did. Given the extra daylight, the Israelite victory became complete, and the door to southern Canaan was pushed wide open.How this miracle happened, I don't know. But one thing I do know is that if you grant me God, ANYTHING is possible!If you have the audacity to ask, God has the ability to respond.We all face difficult situations that appear to be impossible. It may be financial, emotional, relational, or physical. Whatever it is, God is bigger, and if God is with you in that thing, there is still hope.If the size of your need is too big for you, it's just the right size for God. Prayer is what moved the hand of God.  Prayer was what won the battle. But often we don't see God move like He could or may want to, because we don't ask. (Jms. 4:2) Maybe we don't ask because we're afraid of being disappointed. Or we don't think we matter enough to God to ask big. We can ask for small stuff, but the really big stuff? Yet your prayers matter more than we could ever imagine! And through those prayers, the impossible can happen.God can do more in a moment in time than I can do in a lifetime of effort. Prayer doesn't take the place of action. Joshua still had to fight! But because he prayed first, God moved. While we have every right to pray “sun, stand still” prayers, there are times that the answer isn't what we'd hoped for.  God is not some cosmic genie, and prayer is not some lamp that we can rub to get our three wishes.He is still sovereign, and He still has the last word, and that word may be “no” or “not yet.”Even if the sun doesn't stand still in your situation, the sun can stand still through your situation.God can use your faith and persistence for His glory every bit as much as a miracle.Text: Joshua 10Originally recorded on October 23, 2016, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN 

Comedian/mathematician/YouTuber/author Matt Parker (@standupmaths) joins Jesse, Andy and Matt to talk about his new book Love Triangle: How Trigonometry Shapes the World, his podcast A Problem Squared, his Edinburgh Fringe show Getting Triggy With It, Mathstodon, a hawk that uses traffic patterns to target prey, desire paths, Earth's leaking core, the Gibeon meteor, Matt's comedy tour dates and Andy's Colorado music dates.