◄ Joshua 5 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal Joshua 5 paints a picture of transformation for the Israelites, from a wandering nation to inhabitants of the Promised Land. It reminds us of the importance of honoring God in times of transition and being open to divine guidance in the face of new challenges. As we journey through our own 'Promised Lands,' let's remember to renew our commitments to God, celebrate His providence, and respond in awe and worship when we encounter His presence. The Circumcision at Gilgal (Verses 1-9) Following their crossing of the Jordan, the Israelites carry out a mass circumcision at Gilgal, renewing their covenant with God. This generation had not been circumcised during their wilderness journey, and this act symbolizes their commitment to God as they enter the Promised Land. The First Passover in the Promised Land (Verses 10-12) The Israelites observe the Passover in the plains of Jericho, marking their first celebration in Canaan. From this point forward, they eat the produce of the land and the manna ceases. Joshua's Encounter with the Divine Commander (Verses 13-15) As Joshua approaches Jericho, he encounters a mysterious figure who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord's Army. Recognizing the divine presence, Joshua falls in worship, and the commander orders him to remove his sandals for he is standing on holy ground. Joshua Chapter 5 presents a significant transition for the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land, renew their covenant with God through circumcision, and celebrate their first Passover in Canaan. Joshua's encounter with the divine commander of the Lord's Army underscores the divine support and guidance in this new phase of their journey. Teaching Points Renewal of Covenant through Circumcision Joshua 5:2-9 describes how God commanded Joshua to circumcise the new generation of Israelites. This act was a renewal of the covenant between God and His people, signifying their commitment and obedience to Him. Observance of the Passover In Joshua 5:10, the Israelites celebrated the Passover in the plains of Jericho. This was the first Passover in the Promised Land, symbolizing God's deliverance and faithfulness. Cessation of Manna Joshua 5:12 notes that the manna ceased after they ate the produce of the land. This transition marked a new phase of reliance on God's provision through the land He promised. Encounter with the Commander of the LORD’s Army Joshua 5:13-15 describes Joshua's encounter with a divine figure, emphasizing the holiness of the mission and the need for reverence and submission to God's authority. Practical Applications Spiritual Preparation Just as the Israelites prepared through circumcision and Passover, we must prepare our hearts and lives for the tasks God sets before us. Renewal of Commitment Regularly renew your commitment to God, remembering His faithfulness and promises. Trust in God's Provision Transition from relying on past provisions to trusting God for new ways He will provide in your life. Reverence for God's Presence Approach your spiritual journey with reverence, acknowledging God's holiness and authority in your life. People 1. Joshua Joshua is the central figure in this chapter. He is the leader of the Israelites, succeeding Moses, and is responsible for guiding the people into the Promised Land. His name in Hebrew, יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua), means "The LORD is salvation." 2. The Commander of the LORD’s Army This mysterious figure appears to Joshua near Jericho. He is described as a divine being, often interpreted as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The Hebrew term used is שַׂר־צְבָא־יְהוָה (sar-tzeva-YHWH), meaning "commander of the army of the LORD." Places 1. Jordan River The chapter begins with the Israelites having crossed the Jordan River. This river is significant as it represents the boundary that the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land. The crossing of the Jordan is a pivotal moment in Israelite history, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness into the land God promised to Abraham and his descendants. 2. Gilgal This is the place where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River. In Joshua 5:9, it is mentioned that the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." Therefore, the place was called Gilgal, which is derived from the Hebrew root "galal," meaning "to roll." Gilgal becomes a significant site for the Israelites, serving as their first encampment in the Promised Land and a place of renewal and covenant. Events 1. Fear of the Canaanite Kings The kings of the Amorites and Canaanites hear about the drying up of the Jordan River and their hearts melt in fear. ^Scripture Reference^: "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 waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and they lost all courage to face the Israelites." (Joshua 5:1) 2. Circumcision at Gilgal God commands Joshua to circumcise the Israelite males who were born in the wilderness, as the previous generation had died. ^Scripture Reference^: "At that time the LORD said to Joshua, 'Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.'" (Joshua 5:2) ^Hebrew Root^: The term "circumcise" (מול, ^mul^) signifies the covenantal act of cutting, symbolizing Israel's renewed commitment to God. 3. The Reason for Circumcision The narrative explains that the new generation had not been circumcised during the journey in the wilderness. ^Scripture Reference^: "This is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt." (Joshua 5:4) 4. Healing After Circumcision The Israelites remain in their camp until they recover from the circumcision. ^Scripture Reference^: "And after all the nation had been circumcised, they stayed there in the camp until they were healed." (Joshua 5:8) 5. The Name Gilgal God declares that He has rolled away the reproach of Egypt from the Israelites, and the place is named Gilgal. ^Scripture Reference^: "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.' So that place has been called Gilgal to this day." (Joshua 5:9) ^Hebrew Root^: "Gilgal" (גִּלְגָּל, ^Gilgal^) is derived from the root ^galal^ (גָּלַל), meaning "to roll." 6. Celebration of Passover The Israelites celebrate the Passover on the plains of Jericho. ^Scripture Reference^: "On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites kept the Passover." (Joshua 5:10) 7. Eating the Produce of the Land The day after Passover, the Israelites eat unleavened bread and roasted grain from the land. ^Scripture Reference^: "The day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain." (Joshua 5:11) 8. Cessation of Manna The manna ceases after the Israelites eat the produce of Canaan, marking a new phase of reliance on the land. ^Scripture Reference^: "The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land, and there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of the land of Canaan." (Joshua 5:12) 9. The Commander of the LORD’s Army Joshua encounters a divine figure identified as the commander of the LORD’s army, and he worships Him. ^Scripture Reference^: "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 5:13) ^Scripture Reference^: "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 5:15) Connections to Additional Scriptures Covenant Renewal Genesis 17:10-11 discusses the covenant of circumcision with Abraham, highlighting its significance as a sign of God's promises. Passover Significance Exodus 12:14-17 provides the original instructions for Passover, underscoring its role in remembering God's deliverance. God's Provision Philippians 4:19 assures us of God's provision, encouraging us to trust Him in all circumstances. Holiness and Reverence Hebrews 12:28-29 calls us to worship God with reverence and awe, recognizing His consuming fire. Prayer Points Commitment to God Pray for a renewed commitment to God and His covenant in your life. Spiritual Readiness Ask God to prepare your heart for the tasks and challenges ahead. Trust in Provision Seek God's guidance in trusting His provision and timing in your life. Reverence and Submission Pray for a heart that reveres God's presence and submits to His authority. As we reflect on Joshua 5, may we be inspired to prepare ourselves spiritually for the victories God has in store, trusting in His faithfulness and provision. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fear of the Amorite and Canaanite kings reveal the power of God’s actions? 2. How might the act of circumcision act as a symbol of commitment and renewal in this context? 3. Why do you think Joshua needed to circumcise the sons of Israel again? How does this relate to spiritual rebirth or renewal? 4. What do you make of the fact that those born in the wilderness were not initially circumcised? What does this say about the relationship between faith, obedience, and rituals? 5. How does the phrase "their hearts melted and their spirits failed" demonstrate the psychological impact of God's miracles? 6. In what ways do we see God disciplining the Israelites for their disobedience? How does this apply to us today? 7. What significance does the healing period after circumcision hold in terms of spiritual rest and preparation? 8. How does the cessation of the manna reflect on the change of the Israelites' situation? 9. What does the phrase “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you” symbolize in terms of spiritual liberation and moving forward? 10. Why was the Passover celebrated in the new land and how does this celebration reflect the faithfulness of God? 11. How can we interpret Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the LORD’s army in terms of recognizing divine authority? 12. How does the cessation of manna and the beginning of eating the crops of the land symbolize transition and dependence on God’s provision? 13. What can we learn from Joshua's immediate obedience when he's told to remove his sandals? 14. How does the act of Joshua falling facedown in reverence apply to our approach to God in prayer and worship? 15. Why do you think the figure Joshua encounters identifies as neither for Joshua nor his enemies? 16. How does this passage demonstrate the balance between God's provision (like manna), and the necessity for human effort (eating the produce of the land)? 17. How does this passage contribute to our understanding of God’s guidance throughout the transition periods in our lives? 18. How does "the place where you are standing is holy" change our perspective of encountering God in our everyday lives? 19. How does the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness and then finally entering the promised land mirror our spiritual journeys? 20. How can the concept of being circumcised "again" apply to our spiritual lives in terms of repentance and restoration? Topics 1. The Fear of the Canaanite Kings (Joshua 5:1) The chapter begins with the reaction of the Amorite and Canaanite kings upon hearing that the LORD had dried up the Jordan River for the Israelites. Their hearts melted, and they lost courage. This highlights the power and presence of God with Israel, as the Hebrew word "מָסַס" (masas) is used to describe their hearts melting. 2. Circumcision at Gilgal (Joshua 5:2-9) God commands Joshua to circumcise the new generation of Israelites born in the wilderness. This act renews the covenant sign given to Abraham. The Hebrew word "גִּלְגָּל" (Gilgal) is significant as it means "rolling," symbolizing the rolling away of the reproach of Egypt from the Israelites. 3. The Passover Celebrated (Joshua 5:10-12) The Israelites celebrate Passover on the plains of Jericho. This marks their first Passover in the Promised Land, signifying a new beginning and fulfillment of God's promises. The cessation of manna and the beginning of eating the produce of Canaan is a pivotal moment, indicating a transition from wilderness provision to the abundance of the Promised Land. 4. The Commander of the LORD’s Army (Joshua 5:13-15) Joshua encounters a mysterious figure identified as the commander of the LORD's army. This encounter emphasizes the divine support and leadership in the upcoming battles. The Hebrew term "צְבָא" (tsaba) for "army" underscores the heavenly host's involvement in Israel's conquest. Themes 1. Divine Preparation and Obedience In Joshua 5, the Israelites are prepared by God for the conquest of Canaan. This preparation involves the circumcision of the new generation of Israelites, as commanded by God. The act of circumcision is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, emphasizing obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew word for circumcision, "מִילָה" (milah), signifies a cutting away, symbolizing the removal of the old self and dedication to God. Joshua 5:2 states, "At that time the LORD said to Joshua, 'Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.'" 2. Renewal of Covenant The renewal of the covenant is a central theme, as the Israelites reaffirm their commitment to God through the act of circumcision. This renewal is significant as it marks the end of their reproach in Egypt and the beginning of a new chapter in the Promised Land. Joshua 5:9 says, "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.' So that place has been called Gilgal to this day." The Hebrew word "גִּלְגָּל" (Gilgal) means "rolling," symbolizing the removal of disgrace. 3. Celebration of Passover The Israelites celebrate Passover in the Promised Land, which is a reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt. This celebration signifies the continuity of God's faithfulness and the importance of remembering His past acts of salvation. Joshua 5:10 states, "On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites kept the Passover." 4. Provision and Transition The cessation of manna and the beginning of eating the produce of Canaan highlight God's provision and the transition from wilderness wandering to settling in the Promised Land. This change signifies a new phase of reliance on God's provision through the land He promised. Joshua 5:12 notes, "The manna ceased the day after they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate from the produce of the land of Canaan that year." 5. Divine Encounter and Leadership Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the LORD's army underscores the theme of divine leadership and guidance. This encounter emphasizes that the battle belongs to the Lord and that Joshua's leadership is under divine authority. Joshua 5:14-15 records, "Neither,' he replied, 'I have now come as commander of the LORD’s army.' Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked him, 'What does my Lord have to say to 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." The Hebrew word for "commander," "שַׂר" (sar), indicates a leader or prince, highlighting the divine authority present. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions