Joshua 5 The Conquest of Canaan

1 Circumcision at Gilgal
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.

2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.”

3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.

4 Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the desert on the way after leaving Egypt.

5 All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the desert during the journey from Egypt had not.

6 The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.

7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way.

8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.

9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.

10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover.

11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain.

12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.

13 The Fall of Jericho
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

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Analysis of Joshua Chapter 5

Joshua Chapter 5 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites’ journey into the Promised Land. This chapter is rich with themes of renewal, covenant, obedience, and divine leadership. The chapter can primarily be divided into three sections: the circumcision at Gilgal, the celebration of Passover, and Joshua’s encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army. Each segment provides significant theological insights and practical applications for contemporary readers.

The Covenant of Circumcision at Gilgal (Verses 1-9)

The chapter opens with a description of the psychological state of the Israelites’ adversaries. In verse 1, we read that the kings of the Amorites and the Canaanites lost their courage upon hearing how the Lord had dried up the Jordan River so the Israelites could cross over. This sets the stage for the ensuing events, highlighting God’s protection and His continued intervention on behalf of Israel.

“When all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.” (Joshua 5:1)

Following this, God commands Joshua to circumcise the new generation of Israelites. Verses 2-9 describe this process. Here, circumcision symbolizes the renewal of the covenant between God and His people. The previous generation, which had come out of Egypt, had been circumcised, but those born during the wilderness journey had not undergone this ritual.

This act of circumcision is deeply symbolic. It wasn’t just a physical act but signified a recommitment to God and a purification before laying claim to the Promised Land. It was a sign of their readiness to inherit God’s promises. It also connects the new generation with the Abrahamic Covenant, reestablishing them as a people set apart for God’s purpose.

“And Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. … Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.’ So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.” (Joshua 5:3-9)

Verse 9 is particularly significant. God tells Joshua that the “reproach of Egypt” has been rolled away. The name “Gilgal” itself means “rolling.” This signifies a fresh start for the Israelites, free from the shame and bondage of their past in Egypt, now fully consecrated and ready to possess the land God had promised.

The Celebration of Passover (Verses 10-12)

The next significant event is the celebration of Passover at Gilgal. Verses 10-12 describe the Israelites observing Passover on the plains of Jericho. This is the first Passover celebration in the Promised Land, signifying a new beginning.

“On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover.” (Joshua 5:10)

Passover, being one of the most critical feasts in Jewish tradition, commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. Celebrating it at this juncture reiterates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It also serves as an act of obedience to God’s commands, reinforcing the idea that their success in the Promised Land depends on their adherence to God’s laws and commands.

Verses 11-12 hold another layer of significance. The day after Passover, the Israelites ate the produce of the land – unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna, which had sustained them for forty years, ceased the day after eating the food from the land.

“The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.” (Joshua 5:11-12)

This transition from manna to the produce of the land symbolizes the end of their wilderness journey and the beginning of a new chapter. It underscores God’s provision: just as He had provided manna in the desert, He now provided the abundance of the Promised Land. This shift indicates that the period of miraculous sustenance had given way to a time where they would cultivate and enjoy the fruits of the land God had given them.

Joshua’s Encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army (Verses 13-15)

The final segment of this chapter contains Joshua’s mysterious encounter with a divine figure, described as the Commander of the Lord’s Army. In verses 13-15, Joshua sees a man with a drawn sword and, upon questioning him, learns that this is no ordinary man but a divine messenger.

“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’
‘Neither,’ he replied, ‘but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, ‘What message does my Lord have for his servant?’
The commander of the Lord’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.” (Joshua 5:13-15)

This encounter holds profound theological implications. Joshua’s question – “Are you for us or for our enemies?” – is met with an unexpected response: “Neither.” This teaches us that God’s purposes transcend human conflicts. The divine messenger indicates that God’s presence is not about taking sides but about the fulfillment of His divine will.

Joshua’s response to fall facedown in reverence and to inquire about the divine message signifies his humility and readiness to submit to God’s authority. This encounter reiterates that the upcoming conquest of Jericho and other battles are not merely military campaigns but divinely ordained missions.

The command to remove sandals, akin to Moses’ experience at the burning bush, signifies the holy nature of the ground. It serves as a reminder that Joshua is standing on sacred ground and that his leadership is under divine guidance. This reinforces the notion that the Israelites’ success hinges on their reverence and obedience to God.

Themes and Reflections

This chapter is pregnant with themes that resonate far beyond its historical context:

Covenant and Renewal: The act of circumcision reinforces the idea of renewal and commitment to God. It underscores that every new generation must reaffirm its dedication to God’s commandments.
Obedience and Faith: The observance of Passover highlights the Israelites’ obedience to God’s commands even as they transition into a new phase of their journey.
Divine Provision: The shift from manna to the produce of the land symbolizes the end of one form of divine provision and the beginning of another, teaching that God’s care for His people evolves according to their needs.
Divine Leadership: Joshua’s encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army encapsulates the essence of divine leadership and its supremacy over human endeavors.
Holiness: The command to take off sandals is a powerful reminder of the holiness of God and the sanctity of His mission.

Application for Contemporary Readers

The lessons from Joshua Chapter 5 extend beyond its historical context to offer valuable insights for contemporary believers:

Renewal of Commitment: Just as the Israelites needed a physical act to renew their covenant, modern believers can find ways to regularly reaffirm their commitment to God’s principles.
Obedience: The celebration of Passover underscores the importance of obedience. Contemporary worship should emphasize observing spiritual disciplines and practices.
Trust in Divine Provision: The transition from manna to natural provisions is a powerful lesson in trusting God’s provision in different seasons of life. Believers should remain open to the various ways God provides for them.
Reverence for the Divine: Joshua’s encounter with the divine messenger reminds us of the importance of reverence. Even in daily routines, acknowledging God’s presence can transform ordinary ground into holy ground.
Participation in God’s Plan: Understanding that God’s work transcends human conflicts encourages believers to align themselves with divine purposes rather than partisan interests.

In summary, Joshua Chapter 5 offers a rich tapestry of theological and practical lessons. It encapsulates themes of renewal, obedience, divine provision, and the holiness of God’s mission. As readers reflect on this chapter, they are invited to consider how these ancient truths apply to their lives today, encouraging a deeper commitment to God and a greater trust in His continued guidance and provision.

Understanding the Key Messages in Joshua 5: Insights and Explanation

Joshua leads the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan, receiving instructions from God on how to divide the land among the tribes.