Commentary on Joshua 5

Joshua 5 marks a crucial transition for Israel after crossing the Jordan. It details three significant events: the circumcision of the new generation at Gilgal, the celebration of Passover, and the cessation of manna. These acts collectively underscore Israel's renewed covenant relationship with God and their preparation for holy war. The chapter culminates with Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the Lord's army, setting the stage for the conquest of Jericho and emphasizing divine leadership in the battles to come.

Historical context

The book of Joshua chronicles Israel's entry into and conquest of the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's ancient promises to Abraham (Gen 12:7, 15:18-21). Following the death of Moses, Joshua assumes leadership, guided by God's direct instruction (Josh 1:1-9). Chapter 5 takes place immediately after the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, which served as a powerful sign of God's presence and power, much like the Red Sea crossing for the previous generation (Josh 3:14-17, 4:23-24).

The events in Joshua 5 are set in Gilgal, which becomes Israel's initial camp and base of operations for the conquest. This location, west of the Jordan and east of Jericho, holds significant symbolic weight. The circumcision of the new generation addresses a covenantal lapse during the wilderness wandering, while the Passover celebration reconnects them with their foundational story of redemption from Egypt. The cessation of manna signifies a shift from divine provision in the wilderness to reliance on the produce of the Promised Land, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  This verse describes the reaction of the Amorite and Canaanite kings upon hearing about the Jordan crossing. Their hearts “melted in fear,” indicating a loss of courage and resolve. This fear is a direct fulfillment of God's promise that He would strike terror into the hearts of Israel's enemies (Exod 23:27, Deut 2:25, 11:25), demonstrating His active involvement in clearing the way for His people.

• 2:

  God commands Joshua to circumcise the Israelite men “a second time.” This refers to circumcising the generation born in the wilderness, as the practice had ceased during their forty years of wandering. This act was a sign of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:9-14), signifying Israel's identity as God's chosen people and their commitment to Him before entering the Promised Land.

• 3:

  Joshua obeys God's command, performing the circumcision at a place subsequently named Gibeath-haaraloth, meaning “Hill of Foreskins.” This physical act was a profound spiritual statement, marking the new generation as truly belonging to the covenant community, ready to inherit God's promises.

• 5:

  This verse clarifies that the generation who left Egypt had been circumcised, but those born during the wilderness journey were not. This lapse in covenant practice needed to be rectified before they could fully engage in the conquest and enjoy the blessings of the land.

• 8:

  After the circumcisions, the men remained in their camp until they recovered. This period of vulnerability highlights Israel's absolute trust in God's protection. Despite being exposed to enemy attack, they obeyed God's command, demonstrating faith that He would keep them safe.

• 9:

  God declares, “Today I have rolled away the disgrace of Egypt from you.” The term “Gilgal” (Gilgal גִּלְגָּל) means “rolling.” This disgrace likely refers to the reproach of being an uncircumcised people, seen as a sign of not belonging to God, or perhaps the shame of their wilderness wandering and the perceived failure to enter the land sooner. This act signifies a fresh start.

• 10:

  While encamped at Gilgal, the Israelites celebrate the Passover. This annual feast commemorated their deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exod 12:1-14). Celebrating it in the Promised Land, after the Jordan crossing and renewed covenant, powerfully linked their past redemption with their present inheritance, affirming God's faithfulness across generations.

• 12:

  The manna, which had miraculously sustained Israel for forty years in the wilderness, ceased the day after they ate the produce of the land. This marked a definitive end to their wilderness journey and a transition to a new phase of life in Canaan, where they would now live off the land God had given them.

• 13:

  Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword, identifying himself as the “Commander of the Lord's army.” This is a significant theophany or Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a divine messenger. Joshua's immediate reverence suggests he recognized the figure's divine authority.

• 15:

  The Commander instructs Joshua to remove his sandals, for the ground is holy, echoing God's command to Moses at the burning bush (Exod 3:5). This underscores the divine nature of the encounter and establishes that God, not Joshua, is the ultimate leader of Israel's army. Joshua is merely His servant in a holy war.

Key themes

• Covenant Renewal
• Divine Sovereignty in Conquest
• Holy War
• Transition and New Beginnings
• Divine Presence and Leadership

Application

Joshua 5 reminds us that before we can engage in God's work, we must first be right with God. The circumcision and Passover celebration were not mere rituals; they were profound acts of covenant renewal, signifying Israel's identity and reliance on God. For us, this means regularly returning to the gospel, remembering our identity in Christ, and confessing our need for His grace. Just as Israel needed to be set apart and nourished by God's provision before battle, we too must prioritize spiritual formation and dependence on God's Word and Spirit.

The encounter with the Commander of the Lord's army is a powerful reminder that our battles are ultimately God's battles. We are called to participate, but the victory belongs to Him. This frees us from the burden of self-reliance and invites us to walk in humble obedience, knowing that Christ, our true Commander, leads the way. Our task is not to devise strategies in our own strength, but to listen, obey, and trust in His sovereign plan, even when the path seems vulnerable or uncertain.

Frequently asked questions