Joshua Chapter 5

 

Joshua Chapter 5: A Detailed Explanation

Introduction to Joshua 5

Joshua 5 serves as a pivotal chapter in the book of Joshua. It marks the transition from Israel's wilderness journey to their conquest of the Promised Land. The chapter covers key themes such as obedience, covenant renewal, divine provision, and divine leadership.

Context and Background

Before Joshua 5, the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River miraculously (Joshua 3-4), signifying God's presence and power among them. Now, as they stand on the threshold of conquest, God prepares them spiritually. This preparation involves circumcision, celebrating the Passover, and Joshua’s encounter with the divine Commander of the Lord’s army.

---

Verse-by-Verse Explanation of Joshua 5

Joshua 5:1 – Fear in the Hearts of Israel’s Enemies

"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 they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear, and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites."

• This verse reveals that Israel’s enemies were demoralized.

• The Amorites and Canaanites, powerful groups in the land, were terrified because they recognized that Israel’s God was actively fighting for them.

• This fulfilled God’s promise in Exodus 23:27, where He assured Israel that He would send fear ahead of them.

Joshua 5:2-3 – The Renewal of Circumcision

"At that time the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.’ So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth."

• Why circumcision? It was a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14).

• The Israelites born during the 40 years of wandering had not been circumcised.

• Now that they were entering the Promised Land, they needed to renew their commitment to God.

Flint knives were often used in ancient times because they were sharper and more sterile than metal blades.

Joshua 5:4-7 – The Reason for Circumcision

"Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of military age—died in the wilderness on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not."

• The first generation of Israelites failed to trust God and died in the wilderness.

• The new generation had not yet entered into the full covenant relationship with God.

• This act signified a new beginning for the people of Israel.

Joshua 5:8-9 – The Rolling Away of Reproach

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

• Healing Time: The Israelites stayed in their camp to recover from the painful process.

• Symbolism of Gilgal: The Hebrew word "Gilgal" sounds like "galal," meaning “to roll.”

• "Reproach of Egypt" Rolled Away: This phrase signifies the end of Israel’s disgrace—no longer were they a wandering, enslaved people but a people ready to claim God’s promises.

Joshua 5:10-11 – Celebrating the Passover

"On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain."

• Why celebrate Passover?

  • It reminded them of their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12).

  • It marked a fresh commitment to God before battle.

• Eating from the Land:

  • This was the first time they ate from the Promised Land.

  • It symbolized a transition—no longer dependent on wilderness provisions.

Joshua 5:12 – The End of Manna

"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."

• A New Season Begins:

  • For 40 years, God provided manna (Exodus 16).

  • Now, as they stepped into their inheritance, God’s provision changed.

  • This symbolizes spiritual maturity—they were now to work the land rather than receive daily miracles.

Joshua 5:13 – Joshua Encounters the Commander of the Lord’s Army

"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?’"

• Joshua's Leadership Tested: As Israel’s leader, Joshua was surveying Jericho, possibly strategizing.

• A Mysterious Figure Appears: The "man" is later identified as the Commander of the Lord’s army.

• Joshua’s Question: He wanted to know if this figure was an ally or enemy.

Joshua 5:14 – The Commander’s Response

"‘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?’"

• "Neither" – What does this mean?

  • This divine figure wasn’t taking sides—rather, the real question was whether Joshua was on God’s side.

• Joshua’s Response: He immediately recognized the figure’s authority and submitted in worship.

• Many theologians believe this figure was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ (a Christophany).

Joshua 5:15 – A Holy Encounter

"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."

• This mirrors Moses' experience at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5).

• Holy Ground: The presence of God sanctified the place.

• Lesson: Before battle, Joshua needed to align with God's plan, not his own.

---

Key Themes and Lessons from Joshua 5

1. God Prepares His People Spiritually Before Victory

Before they could conquer Jericho, the Israelites had to:

• Renew their covenant with God (circumcision).

• Celebrate the Passover, remembering their deliverance.

• Recognize that the battle belonged to God, not them.

2. True Leadership Submits to God

Joshua was a strong leader, but he bowed in worship before the divine Commander. This shows that even the greatest leaders must recognize God’s supreme authority.

3. God’s Provision Changes with Seasons

• Manna stopped when Israel entered the land.

• This teaches us that God provides differently in different seasons—sometimes miraculously, other times through natural means.

4. Victory Comes from Aligning with God’s Plan

• The Lord’s Commander didn’t come to take sides but to lead.

• The lesson? Instead of asking God to bless our plans, we must submit to His plans.

---

Conclusion

Joshua 5 is a crucial chapter in Israel’s journey, teaching us about preparation, obedience, and submission to God. Before stepping into battle, Israel had to:

• Renew their covenant (circumcision).

• Celebrate their past victories (Passover).

• Recognize God's leadership (Joshua’s encounter with the Commander).

For modern believers, the message is clear: Before we step into new victories, we must prepare spiritually, remember God’s faithfulness, and align ourselves with His plan.