Renewing the Covenant: A Verse-by-Verse Commentary on Joshua 5

Executive Summary

Joshua 5, a pivotal chapter in the Book of Joshua, marks a critical transition for the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land. This chapter focuses on two key events: the circumcision of the new generation born in the wilderness and the celebration of Passover at Gilgal. These acts are not merely ritualistic; they represent a profound spiritual renewal and recommitment to the covenant God made with Abraham and Moses. The circumcision signifies the cutting away of the fleshly heart and the adoption of a new spiritual identity. The Passover, a commemoration of their deliverance from Egypt, reaffirms God’s faithfulness and provision. By obeying God’s command and performing these essential acts, the Israelites prepare themselves to inherit the land promised to them and to become a holy nation. Therefore, understanding Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal becomes vital for all believers, demonstrating God’s demand for obedience and His promise of renewed blessing.

After forty years of wandering, the children of Israel finally stand on the precipice of their destiny. Joshua, their new leader, faces the immediate challenge of ensuring the people are spiritually prepared to claim their inheritance. Joshua 5 unveils God’s priorities: a cleansed, consecrated, and covenant-minded people, ready to experience His presence and power in the land. Join us as we delve into the depths of this chapter, uncovering its rich theological significance and timeless spiritual lessons.

Commentary Sections

Joshua 5:1 – The Hearts of the Canaanites Melt

KJV: And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

NKJV: So it was, when all the kings of the Amorites who were on the west side of the Jordan, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel until we had crossed over, that their heart melted; and there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel.

The fear of the Lord preceded the Israelites. The drying up of the Jordan River was a clear manifestation of God’s power, and it struck terror into the hearts of their enemies. This verse highlights a crucial principle: spiritual victories often precede physical conquests. When our enemies, both internal and external, recognize the power of God working in our lives, their resistance weakens. This echoes the sentiment found in the Book of Wisdom: “For thy all-powerful hand that made the world of matter out of shapeless stuff did not lack the means to send upon them a multitude of bears, or bold lions, or new-created unknown wild beasts full of fury” (Wisdom 11:17).

Practical Application: In our own lives, let us not underestimate the power of God to disarm our enemies. Seek His face, and He will fight our battles.

Joshua 5:2-3 – The Command to Circumcise

KJV: At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

NKJV: At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make sharp flints for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” So Joshua made sharp flints for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

Why “again the second time”? Circumcision had been neglected during the forty years of wandering. It was a fundamental sign of the covenant God made with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). The neglect of this commandment was a serious matter, representing a break in their spiritual identity and relationship with God. The “hill of the foreskins” became a place of repentance and renewal. The choice of flint knives may seem rudimentary, but they signified purity and dedication to God. They weren’t using the sophisticated tools of the Egyptians; they used what God provided.

As St. Cyril of Alexandria says: “Δεῖ γὰρ ἡμᾶς περιτμηθῆναι τὴν τῶν παθῶν ἐπιθυμίαν, καὶ ἀποδύσασθαι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον τὸν φθειρόμενον κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ἀπάτης.” (“For we must circumcise the desire for passions and put off the old man who is corrupted according to the desires of deceit.” – Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Romans*, PG 74:829).

Practical Application: We must examine our lives for areas where we have neglected God’s commands. Repentance and obedience are essential for experiencing His blessing. Are we circumcising our hearts (Deuteronomy 10:16) and turning away from sinful desires?

Joshua 5:4-7 – Explanation of the Circumcision

KJV: And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: That all the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord: unto whom the Lord sware that he would not shew them the land, which the Lord sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey. And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way.

NKJV: And this is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: All the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, had died in the wilderness on the way, after they came out of Egypt. For all the people who came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness on the way as they came out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people who were men of war, who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they did not obey the voice of the Lord, to whom the Lord swore that He would not show them the land which the Lord had sworn to their fathers that He would give us, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” So their children, whom He raised up in their place, these Joshua circumcised; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them on the way.

This section explains the rationale behind the circumcision. The generation that came out of Egypt rebelled against God and died in the wilderness. Their children, born in the desert, had not been circumcised. This new generation needed to be brought back into covenant relationship with God before they could inherit the land. The Promised Land was not just a geographical location; it was a place of blessing reserved for those who were in covenant with God. This also highlights God’s patience and mercy; He didn’t abandon His promise, but raised up a new generation to fulfill it. This showcases the enduring power of God’s covenant despite human failings. The phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” symbolizes abundance and provision. Today, with resources like hosting, we can create our own spaces of abundance online, reflecting God’s provision in the digital age.

Practical Application: Are we carrying the burdens of our ancestors’ sins? We must choose to obey God and enter into His promises, breaking any cycles of disobedience.

Joshua 5:8-9 – The Reproach of Egypt Rolled Away

KJV: And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.

NKJV: So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day.

“Gilgal” means “rolling.” God declared that He had “rolled away” the reproach of Egypt. What was this reproach? It was the shame of their slavery, the stigma of their past. Circumcision was not just a physical act; it was a spiritual cleansing, a removal of the marks of oppression. They were no longer defined by their past in Egypt; they were now defined by their covenant with God. The name Gilgal served as a constant reminder of God’s liberating power and their new identity. This is echoed in the New Testament where Christ frees us from our past and gives us a new identity.

Practical Application: God can roll away the reproach of our past. No matter what we have done or what has been done to us, He can cleanse us and give us a fresh start. What “reproach” are you carrying that God wants to roll away?

Joshua 5:10-12 – Passover and the End of the Manna

KJV: And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

NKJV: Now the children of Israel camped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight on the plains of Jericho. And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain on the very same day. Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year.

Passover, a commemoration of their deliverance from Egypt, was a reminder of God’s faithfulness. By celebrating it in the Promised Land, they were acknowledging that God had fulfilled His promise. The end of the manna signified a new season. They were no longer dependent on God’s miraculous provision in the wilderness; they were now able to eat the fruit of their own labor in the land He had given them. This highlights the shift from a dependent, nomadic existence to a settled, productive life. The manna was a symbol of God’s grace in times of hardship; the fruit of the land was a symbol of His blessing on their obedience.

Practical Application: Recognize God’s provision in every season of life. When He provides miraculously, be grateful. When He enables you to work and produce, be diligent and thankful.

Joshua 5:13-15 – The Commander of the Lord’s Army

KJV: And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant? And the captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

NKJV: And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

This encounter with the “Commander of the Lord’s Army” is significant. It reveals that the battle belonged to God, not to Joshua or the Israelites. The “Man” with a drawn sword is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Joshua’s question, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” is met with the response, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” God’s allegiance is to His own divine plan, not to one side or the other. Joshua’s act of worship and obedience to remove his sandal from the holy ground demonstrated his submission to God’s authority. This scene mirrors Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) emphasizing the holiness of God’s presence. This signifies that earthly victory is not achieved through military might alone but through divine intervention and obedience.

Practical Application: Recognize that your battles belong to God. Seek His guidance and submit to His authority. He is not merely on our side, but we must be on His side.

Key Reflections and Teachings from Joshua 5

Here are a few key reflections and teachings drawn from Joshua 5:

• ✨ Spiritual Preparation is Paramount: Before any victory, there must be a spiritual cleansing and renewal.
• 💡 Obedience is Essential: God’s blessings are contingent upon our obedience to His commands.
• 📖 The Past Does Not Define Us: God can roll away the reproach of our past and give us a new identity.
• 📜 Divine Provision is Abundant: God provides for our needs in every season of life.
• 🕊️ Submission to God’s Authority is Key: True victory comes through submission to God’s will.
• 🌍 Covenant Relationship: Circumcision and Passover serve to illustrate the need for a covenant relationship with God, which is fundamental to experiencing His blessings.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Joshua 5:

• Q: Why was circumcision necessary before entering the Promised Land?
  A: Circumcision was a sign of the covenant God made with Abraham. It symbolized a commitment to God and a separation from the world. It was necessary to restore the Israelites to a right relationship with God before they could inherit the land.
• Q: What is the significance of Gilgal?
  A: Gilgal means “rolling.” It was the place where God rolled away the reproach of Egypt from the Israelites, signifying their freedom from slavery and their new identity as God’s chosen people.
• Q: Why did the manna cease after they ate the produce of the land?
  A: The manna was a miraculous provision for the wilderness. Once the Israelites entered the Promised Land and were able to produce their own food, the manna was no longer needed. It symbolized a shift from dependence on miraculous provision to receiving God’s blessing on their labor.
• Q: Who was the Commander of the Lord’s Army?
  A: This figure is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. He represents God’s direct involvement in the battles of His people and emphasizes that victory comes through divine power, not human strength.

Conclusion

Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal are not merely historical events but powerful symbols of spiritual transformation and covenant renewal. Joshua 5 underscores the vital importance of obedience, repentance, and faith in claiming our inheritance in Christ. Just as the Israelites had to be spiritually prepared to enter the Promised Land, we too must be cleansed and consecrated to receive the fullness of God’s blessings in our lives. God’s desire is to remove the “reproach” of our past and empower us to live victoriously through His grace. By embracing His commands, submitting to His authority, and celebrating His provision, we can experience the abundant life He has promised. The narrative implores us to continuously evaluate if we are fully embracing the covenant and living in obedience to God’s directives, so that we may, like Joshua and the Israelites, enter fully into the blessings that God has prepared.

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Joshua 5, Circumcision, Passover, Gilgal, Promised Land, Covenant, Obedience, Repentance, Spiritual Renewal, Divine Provision

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