The sun (or earth) did not move despite the denial of this miracle by "scientists" modernists and other non-believrews

 Josue 10: [11] And when they were fleeing from the children of Israel, and were in the descent of Beth-horon, the Lord cast down upon them great stones from heaven as far as Azeca: and many more were killed with the hailstones than were slain by the swords of the children of Israel. [12] Then Josue spoke to the Lord, in the day that he delivered the Amorrhite in the sight of the children of Israel, and he said before them: Move not, O sun, toward Gabaon, nor thou, O moon, toward the valley of Ajalon. [13] And the sun and the moon stood still, till the people revenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of the just? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down the space of one day. [14] There was not before nor after so long a day, the Lord obeying the voice of a man, and fighting for Israel. [15] And Josue returned with all Israel into the camp of Galgal.

Ver. 11.  Azeca, for the space of twelve miles. --- Hailstones, of an uncommon size, accompanied with thunder and lightning.  Hab. iii. 11.  Joseph.  v. 1.  C.  Eccli. xlvi. 6. --- Of the same nature was the seventh plague of Egypt.  Ex. ix. 23.  M. --- Real stones may very probably have been hurled against the enemy, by means of some hurricane or vulcano, which God directed against the Chanaanites.  Several instances of showers of stones are recorded in history.  C. Dissert. --- Even quantities of stone and earth, sufficient to form new islands, have been thus thrown up.  Montfaucon. --- The isle of Santorin, in the Archipelago, appeared in 1707.

 

Ver. 12.  Them.  This may be considered as a canticle of victory, containing a fervent prayer, which was presently followed with the desired effect. --- Aialon.  Heb. "Sun, in Gabaon, be silent; (moved not) and thou, moon, in the valley of Aialon," or "of the wood," which was probably not far from Gabaon.  Josue had pursued the enemy at mid-day, to the west of that city, when turning round, he addressed this wonderful command to the sun.  It is supposed that the moon appeared at the same time.  But the meaning may only be, that the sun and the course of the stars should be interrupted for a time.  C. --- The sun and the moon stood still in their habitation.  Heb. iii. 11.  M. --- Many have called in question this miracle, with Maimonides, or have devised various means to explain it away, by having recourse to a parhelion or reflection of the sun by a cloud, or to a light which was reverberated by the mountains, after the sun was set, &c.  Prœdam iv. 6.  Spinosa, Grotius, Le Clerc. --- But if these authors believe the Scriptures, they may spare themselves the trouble of devising such improbable explanations, as this fact is constantly represented as a most striking miracle.  If S. Paul (Heb. xi. 30,) make no mention of it, he did not engage to specify every miracle that had occurred.  He does not so much as mention Josue, nor the passage of the Jordan, &c. so that it is a matter of surprise that Grotius should adduce this negative argument, to disprove the reality of the miracle.  C. --- The pretended impossibility of it, or the inconvenience arising to the fatigued soldiers from the long continuance of the day, will make but small impression upon those who consider, that God was the chief agent; and that he who made all out of nothing, might easily stop the whole machinery of the world for a time, and afterwards put it in motion again, without causing any derangement in the different parts.  C. --- It is not material whether the sun turn round the earth, or the contrary.  H. --- The Hebrews generally supposed that the earth was immovable; and on this idea Josue addresses the sun.  Philosophers have devised various intricate systems: but the Scripture is expressed in words suitable to the conceptions of the people.  The exterior effect would be the same, whether the sun or the earth stood still.  Pagan authors have not mentioned this miracle, because none of the works of that age have come down to us.  We find, however, that they acknowledged a power in magic capable of effecting such a change.

                            Cessavere vices rerum dilataque longa,

                            Hæsit nocte dies: legi non paruit æther,

                            Torpuit & præceps audito carmine mundus.

                                          Lucan, Phars. vi.  See Odys. xii. 382. and xxiii. 242.

This miracle would not render Josue superior to Moses, as some have argued.  For all miracles are equally impossible to man, and equally easy to God: the greatness of a miracle is ot a proof of greater sanctity.  C. --- Aialon lay to the south-west of Gabaon.  H. --- Josue ordered the moon to stop, as a necessary consequence of the sun's standing still.  God condescended to grant his request.  W.

Habacuc 3 The sun and the moon stood still in their habitation, in the light of thy arrows, they shall go in the brightness of thy glittering spear.

Ver. 8.  With the rivers, &c. He alludes to the wonders wrought heretofore by the Lord in favour of his people Israel, when the waters of the rivers, viz. of Arnon and Jordan, and of the Red Sea, retired before their face; when he came as it were with his horses and chariots to save them; when he took up his bow for their defence, in consequence of the oath he had made to their tribes; when the mountains trembled, and the deep stood with its waves raised up in a heap, as with hands lifted up to heaven; when the sun and moon stood still at his command, &c. to comply with his anger, not against the rivers and sea, but against the enemies of his people.  How much more will he do in favour of his Son, and against the enemies of his Church!  Ch. --- Horses: the ark of the covenant.  C.