Joshua - Chapter 5

Joshua 5.1 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. Joshua 5.2 At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. Joshua 5.3 And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. Joshua 5.4 And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: 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. Joshua 5.5 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. Joshua 5.6 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. Joshua 5.7 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. Joshua 5.8 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. Joshua 5.9 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. Joshua 5.10 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. Joshua 5.11 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. Joshua 5.12 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. Joshua 5.13 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? Joshua 5.14 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? Joshua 5.15 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.

Joshua : Chapter 5

Spiritual Preparation of Israel in Joshua Chapter 5

Joshua chapter 5 recounts crucial events leading up to the Battle of Jericho. This pivotal moment is marked by the extensive spiritual preparation of the people of Israel. This text describes the circumcision of the people, the celebration of Passover, and the end of the manna. It focuses on essential themes such as the renewal of the covenant, consecration, and the transition to a new era in Israel's history.

Joshua 5 also invites us to reflect on Joshua's encounter with the commander of the Lord's army. With this in mind, we invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that shed light on the fundamental principles of this preparatory chapter.

1. Galatians 5:6

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith works through love." This verse helps us understand the meaning of circumcision, an act practiced en masse in Joshua 5, by emphasizing that true faith transcends outward rites.

2. Exodus 12:1-28

"[Instructions for Easter]" This passage describes the first Passover, which is celebrated again in Joshua 5 after the entry into the Promised Land. It reminds us of the importance of collective memory and the celebration of God's works.

3. Revelation 19:11-16

"[Description of Christ as a warrior]" This vision of Christ as a heavenly warrior echoes the appearance of the "commander of the Lord's army" in Joshua 5:13-15, emphasizing the divine power that accompanies God's people in their battles.

4. Exodus 3:5

"Do not come near, says God. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are is holy ground." This verse recalls the command given to Joshua in Joshua 5:15, indicating a theophany and the invitation to recognize the holiness of the places where God manifests Himself.

5. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

"For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that all our ancestors were under the cloud and all passed through the sea [...] because they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ." This passage invites us to reflect on the desert period, which ends in Joshua 5 with the entry into the Promised Land, affirming that Christ is always present to guide his people.

May these reflections help us deepen our understanding of Israel's spiritual preparation and strengthen our own faith as we embark on our journey of Christian life.