◄ Joshua 5:9 ►
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.
Study Bible
Then the LORD said to Joshua
This phrase emphasizes the direct communication between God and Joshua, highlighting Joshua's role as a divinely appointed leader. The Hebrew name for God used here is "Yahweh," which signifies the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. This direct communication underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as Joshua is leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Today
The word "today" marks a significant moment in Israel's history. It signifies a new beginning and a pivotal point in their journey. This day is not just a chronological marker but a spiritual milestone, representing the fulfillment of God's promises and the transition from the past burdens to a future of hope and divine favor.

I have rolled away
The Hebrew root for "rolled away" is "galal," which conveys the idea of removing or taking away a burden. This action by God symbolizes liberation and deliverance. It is a powerful image of God actively intervening to remove the shame and disgrace associated with their past in Egypt, thus preparing them for a new chapter in their covenant relationship.

the reproach of Egypt
The "reproach of Egypt" refers to the disgrace and humiliation the Israelites experienced during their slavery and the lingering shame of their past disobedience and unbelief. This phrase encapsulates the collective memory of oppression and the stigma of being a people who had been enslaved. God's act of rolling away this reproach signifies a divine cleansing and restoration of their identity as His chosen people.

from you
This phrase personalizes the act of deliverance, indicating that the removal of reproach is not just a corporate experience but also an individual one. Each member of the Israelite community is included in this redemptive act, highlighting God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people.

So the place has been called Gilgal
The name "Gilgal" is derived from the Hebrew word "galal," meaning "to roll." Naming the place Gilgal serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and the new beginning for Israel. It becomes a landmark of faith, a place where the Israelites can remember God's faithfulness and the transformation from shame to honor.

to this day
This phrase indicates the lasting impact of God's actions and the enduring significance of Gilgal in Israel's history. It serves as a testament to future generations of God's power and faithfulness. The phrase also suggests that the lessons learned and the spiritual truths revealed at Gilgal are timeless, continuing to inspire and instruct believers in their walk with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who leads and guides His people.

2. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites, successor to Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, who have been delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now entering the Promised Land.

4. Egypt
The land of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered, symbolizing sin and oppression.

5. Gilgal
The place where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River, named for the rolling away of the "reproach of Egypt."
Teaching Points
God's Deliverance
Just as God rolled away the reproach of Egypt from the Israelites, He delivers us from the bondage of sin through Christ.

New Beginnings
Gilgal represents a new beginning for the Israelites. In Christ, we are new creations, and our past reproaches are rolled away.

Covenant Faithfulness
The act of circumcision and the naming of Gilgal remind us of the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant.

Identity in Christ
Our identity is no longer tied to our past sins or failures but is found in our relationship with God through Jesus.

Spiritual Renewal
Just as the Israelites renewed their covenant with God, we are called to continually renew our commitment to Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "rolling away the reproach" in Joshua 5:9 relate to the forgiveness of sins in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we experience a "Gilgal" moment in our own spiritual journey, where past reproaches are removed?

3. How does the physical act of circumcision in Joshua 5 relate to the spiritual circumcision mentioned in Colossians 2?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living in the new identity we have in Christ, free from past reproaches?

5. How can the account of the Israelites at Gilgal inspire us to trust in God's promises and faithfulness in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
The Passover and the Exodus from Egypt, marking the beginning of Israel's journey to freedom.

1 Samuel 7
Samuel's leadership and the renewal of the covenant at Gilgal, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness.

Colossians 2
The spiritual circumcision in Christ, which parallels the physical circumcision of the Israelites as a sign of covenant and new identity.

Hebrews 4
The rest promised to the people of God, which is a spiritual rest found in Christ, similar to the rest the Israelites sought in the Promised Land.
Sermons
Christian CharacterThe Gospel in the Book of Joshua.Joshua 5:2-9
GilgalC. D. Marston, M. A.Joshua 5:2-9
The Circumcising At GilgalF. B Meyer, B. A.Joshua 5:2-9
The Consecration of the Lord's Host At GilgalG. W. Butler, M. A.Joshua 5:2-9
The Reproach of EgyptA. B. Mackay.Joshua 5:2-9
Time Taken for Religious Duties is not LostJoshua 5:2-9
Why was Circumcision Suspended in the Wilderness?G. W. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 5:2-9
The Two Sacraments of the Old CovenantE. De Pressense Joshua 5:6-11
Sacramental Consecration of LifeR. Glover Joshua 5:9, 10
People
Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, Joshua
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River
Topics
Calleth, Egypt, Gilgal, Joshua, Named, Reproach, Rolled, Shame, To-day, Wherefore
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 5:8

     5571   surgery

Joshua 5:4-8

     7335   circumcision, physical

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 Scripture

Whether 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

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