Poems (Henderson)/Joshua's Command

by Elizabeth Henderson

JOSHUA'S COMMAND.

What wonder in the starry heaven,
 Since first her centuries began,
Like that great day, when thou, bright world,
 Stood still in Ajalon.
What force or power of cycled years,
 Thrilled through thy vast expanse,
When Gibeon's messenger of speed,
 Hasted to Gilgal's camp.

For lo! within the mountain clefts,
 The Amoritish kings,
Assembled 'gainst that sovereign power,
 That swift destruction brings.

Below, the serried ranks of war,
 The slaughter of that heathen horde,
The dying shriek, the tramp of feet,
 Deep-set in human blood.
Above, Oh sun, thy chariot wheels,
 At his command stood still,
Thy steeds of fire at his decree,
 Curbed their impatient will.