Joshua 5
The Circumcision of the Israelites After the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, news of this event spread quickly among the peoples of the land. The Canaanite kings and their people became greatly afraid of Israel, seeing that their God had given them such power. This fear made it safe for Israel to pause and obey God’s command to renew the covenant sign of circumcision, even though they were in enemy territory. God’s timing and protection allowed Israel to obey Him without being attacked. v. 1: When the Amorite and Canaanite kings heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before Israel, their hearts melted with fear. They had no courage left to face the Israelites. God fulfilled His promise to send fear ahead of His people (Exodus 23:27 a), making their enemies too afraid to attack. This showed God’s power to protect His people and keep His word. v. 2: At this time, God told Joshua to circumcise the Israelites a second time. This did not mean some people were circumcised twice, but that a new generation needed to receive the sign because it had not been practiced during the 40 years in the wilderness. God chose this moment because the enemies were afraid and would not attack, so it was safe to obey His command. v. 3: Joshua obeyed and had all the uncircumcised males circumcised at Gibeath-haaraloth, which means “the hill of foreskins.” This was a mass circumcision to renew Israel’s covenant relationship with God. They were willing to obey, even though it made them physically weak for a time, trusting God to protect them. v. 4-5: The reason for the circumcision was that all the men who had left Egypt had died in the wilderness due to their unbelief, and their children had not been circumcised during the journey. The new generation needed to keep God’s covenant, so this ceremony separated them again as God’s special people. – v. 6: The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for forty years because the previous generation had disobeyed God and did not enter the promised land. Only the new generation, including Joshua and Caleb, were allowed to enter Canaan. This was a reminder that God’s promises are sure, but disobedience can delay blessings. v. 7-8: After the circumcision, the people stayed in their camp until they were healed. God cared for them during this time and made sure they were safe from their enemies. This shows that God’s commands sometimes require sacrifice and patience, but He is faithful to help His people obey. – v. 9: God told Joshua that He had “rolled away the reproach of Egypt” from Israel. This meant that by renewing the sign of the covenant, the Israelites were no longer seen as slaves or outcasts but as God’s chosen people. The place was called Gilgal, which means "rolling," to remember this important day. Joshua 5:10 – The Ceasing of the Manna This section tells how the Israelites, after crossing the Jordan, kept the Passover and then began to eat food grown in Canaan. This was a big change for them, as the manna, which God had provided in the wilderness, stopped. The Canaanites were surprised by the Israelites’ actions, especially as they kept following God’s commands even when facing possible danger. Joshua and the people started their time in the promised land by worshiping God and obeying His law. This set a good example for everyone, showing that it is wise to begin any new journey or challenge by putting God first.v. 10: The Israelites celebrated the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, just as God had commanded in the law ( b). They did this in the same place where they had been circumcised, in the plains of Jericho. While they traveled in the wilderness, they could not keep the Passover, but now, after entering Canaan, God allowed them to celebrate it again. This celebration was a reminder of their deliverance from Egypt and a sign that God was now blessing them with a new beginning. Even though they were surrounded by enemies, God protected them as they worshiped Him (; c). v. 11-12: After the Passover, the Israelites ate the grain from the land of Canaan ( d). The local people had left their fields and barns when they ran to Jericho for safety, so Israel now had plenty of food. This was just in time for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which they could fully celebrate with the new food God provided. They also could now offer the firstfruits to God, as commanded in the law ( e). When the Israelites began to eat the food from the land, the manna stopped. This showed that the manna was a special miracle from God and would only last as long as they needed it. God knows what His people need and supplies it in the best way. When His people no longer needed manna, He stopped sending it, teaching them to trust Him and use what He provides in ordinary ways. The spiritual lesson is that God’s special help is given as long as it is needed, but when we are with Him in heaven, we will not need these special helps anymore. – Joshua 5:13 – The Captain of the Lord's Host In this passage, Joshua experiences a special appearance of God's glory for the first time. This vision comes right after Joshua leads the people through important acts of obedience—circumcision and the Passover. It happens near Jericho, just before the battle begins. The vision encourages Joshua and shows him that God is with him as their commander in chief. This meeting reveals that God actively leads and fights for His people, giving Joshua confidence and direction for the coming fight.v. 13: Joshua saw a man standing before him, who was clearly important and powerful. This was likely a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God, the eternal Word, who often appeared as a man in the Old Testament. Joshua recognized this man’s divine authority by giving him worship, which a mere angel would not have accepted. The man held a sword drawn in his hand, showing readiness for battle. This signified that the war Joshua was about to fight was God’s war, and that God was ready to protect and save His people (; f). v. 14: Joshua boldly asked the man if he was for Israel or their enemies. This showed Joshua’s courage and determination. He was ready to accept the man’s help if he was on their side, or to oppose him if not. This question also reveals Joshua’s deep care for Israel’s cause—he wanted to know exactly who was with them. It reminds us that in spiritual battles there is no neutral ground: “He that is not with us is against us.”The man answered that he was the captain of the Lord’s army, not just a friend but the commander in chief. This meant that Joshua was not fighting alone; God Himself was leading the battle with heavenly forces supporting Israel. This is similar to Christ being called the captain of our salvation (; g). Such a leader guarantees victory. v. 15: When Joshua realized who this was, he worshiped him by falling on his face. Although Joshua was the leader of Israel’s army, he humbly accepted the man’s authority. He asked what he should do, showing readiness to obey God’s commands. This humility and readiness to follow God’s will is the foundation of faithful service (; h). The captain then instructed Joshua to take off his sandals, a sign of respect and recognition of the holy ground, just like when Moses met God at the burning bush ( i).This encounter prepared Joshua to receive God’s instructions for the upcoming battle against Jericho. It showed Joshua that God was fully present with him, guiding and empowering him to lead Israel to victory.
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