On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover. On the evening of the fourteenth day of the monthThis phrase marks a significant moment in the Israelite calendar, aligning with the instructions given in Exodus 12:6 for the observance of Passover. The "fourteenth day" of the first month, Nisan, is a time set apart by God for remembrance and celebration. The evening signifies the beginning of the Jewish day, which starts at sunset. This timing underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises, as the Israelites are now in the Promised Land, observing the same Passover that marked their deliverance from Egypt. The Hebrew word for "evening" (עֶרֶב, erev) suggests a transition, symbolizing the shift from slavery to freedom, from wilderness wandering to the inheritance of the land. while camped at Gilgal
Gilgal holds profound significance as the first encampment of the Israelites in the Promised Land. The name "Gilgal" (גִּלְגָּל) is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to roll," as God declared in Joshua 5:9, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." This site becomes a place of renewal and consecration, where the Israelites reaffirm their covenant with God. Archaeologically, Gilgal is identified with a site near Jericho, and its strategic location on the plains signifies a new beginning for the nation. The encampment at Gilgal represents a physical and spiritual anchoring point, where the Israelites prepare to take possession of the land promised to their forefathers. on the plains of Jericho
The plains of Jericho are a fertile area, contrasting with the wilderness the Israelites have traversed. Jericho, known as the "City of Palms," is one of the oldest inhabited cities, and its mention here foreshadows the imminent conquest. The plains serve as a staging ground for the Israelites, symbolizing the transition from nomadic life to settled existence. Historically, Jericho's strategic location made it a key city in the region, and its mention highlights the impending fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to His people. The plains of Jericho thus become a place of anticipation and divine intervention. the Israelites kept the Passover
The observance of Passover at this juncture is a powerful act of obedience and faith. "Kept" (עָשָׂה, asah) in Hebrew implies not just a ritual observance but a wholehearted participation in God's redemptive plan. This Passover is the first celebrated in the Promised Land, signifying the continuity of God's deliverance from Egypt to the present moment. It is a reaffirmation of identity and purpose, as the Israelites remember their past and look forward to the future. The Passover meal, with its elements of lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, serves as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and the cost of redemption. This act of keeping the Passover reinforces the centrality of worship and covenant in the life of God's people, inspiring believers today to remember and celebrate God's ongoing work of salvation. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe people of God who have been delivered from Egypt and are now entering the Promised Land. 2. GilgalThe first campsite of the Israelites in the Promised Land, located on the plains of Jericho. It serves as a significant place of renewal and covenant. 3. PassoverA Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, marking their liberation from slavery and God's protection. 4. Plains of JerichoThe geographical area where the Israelites camped, representing the threshold of their conquest of Canaan. 5. Fourteenth Day of the MonthThe specific time when the Passover is observed, aligning with the instructions given in Exodus. Teaching Points Significance of RemembranceThe observance of Passover at Gilgal underscores the importance of remembering God's past deliverance as a foundation for future faith and obedience. Renewal of CovenantCelebrating Passover in the Promised Land signifies a renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding believers of the need to renew their commitment to God regularly. Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites' adherence to the Passover instructions demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in new and challenging circumstances. Preparation for ConquestObserving Passover before the conquest of Jericho highlights the need for spiritual preparation and reliance on God before undertaking significant challenges. Christ as Our PassoverFor Christians, the Passover points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice delivers us from sin and death, calling us to live in the freedom He provides. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the observance of Passover at Gilgal reflect the Israelites' relationship with God, and what can we learn from this about maintaining our relationship with God today? 2. In what ways does the location of Gilgal serve as a place of spiritual significance for the Israelites, and how can we identify and create "Gilgal moments" in our own spiritual journey? 3. How does the celebration of Passover in Joshua 5:10 connect to the broader biblical theme of deliverance, and how can this theme encourage us in our current life situations? 4. What parallels can we draw between the Israelites' obedience to observe Passover and our call to obey God's commands in our lives today? 5. How does understanding Christ as our Passover Lamb deepen our appreciation for His sacrifice and influence the way we live out our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12The original institution of the Passover, where God commands the Israelites to observe this feast as a perpetual reminder of their deliverance from Egypt. Leviticus 23Details the appointed feasts of the Lord, including the Passover, emphasizing its importance in the Jewish calendar. 1 Corinthians 5Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus, highlighting the theme of deliverance and redemption. People Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, JoshuaPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan RiverTopics Camped, Celebrated, Desert, Encamp, Encamped, Evening, Fourteenth, Gilgal, Held, Israelites, Jericho, Kept, Lowlands, Month, Observed, Passover, Plains, Sons, TentsDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 5:10 1654 numbers, 11-99
4933 evening
7222 exodus, events of
7406 Passover Library The Captain of the Lord's Host
And he said, Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. JOSHUA v. 14. The army of Israel was just beginning a hard conflict under an untried leader. Behind them the Jordan barred their retreat, in front of them Jericho forbade their advance. Most of them had never seen a fortified city, and had no experience nor engines for a siege. So we may well suppose that many doubts and fears shook the courage of the host, as it drew around the doomed city. Their chief had his own heavy burden. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether the Rite of Circumcision was Fitting?
Objection 1: It seems that the rite of circumcision was unfitting. For circumcision, as stated above ([4474]AA[1],2), was a profession of faith. But faith is in the apprehensive power, whose operations appear mostly in the head. Therefore the sign of circumcision should have been conferred on the head rather than on the virile member. Objection 2: Further, in the sacraments we make use of such things as are in more frequent use; for instance, water, which is used for washing, and bread, which we …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Circumcision Bestowed Sanctifying Grace?
Objection 1: It seems that circumcision did not bestow sanctifying grace. For the Apostle says (Gal. 2:21): "If justice be by the Law, then Christ died in vain," i.e. without cause. But circumcision was an obligation imposed by the Law, according to Gal. 5:3: "I testify . . . to every man circumcising himself, that ne is a debtor to do the whole law." Therefore, if justice be by circumcision, "Christ died in vain," i.e. without cause. But this cannot be allowed. Therefore circumcision did not confer …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Stones Crying Out
'For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
THE TORMENTS OF GIANT BAD FEELINGS I am just a bundle of feelings. I never imagined one could have such a variety of them as I am now experiencing. Most of them are bad ones and I am greatly disturbed by them. Really, I doubt whether I am sanctified, on account of the feelings I have. Do sanctified people always feel joyful? I have heard that they do, and if it is true that they do, then I am not sanctified. Big doubts take up company with me every morning, and so long as I feel as I do I do not …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 5:10 NIVJoshua 5:10 NLTJoshua 5:10 ESVJoshua 5:10 NASBJoshua 5:10 KJV
Joshua 5:10 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
