Overview
Joshua 5 recounts significant events where the Israelites renew their covenant with God through rituals at Gilgal, emphasizing a new beginning in the Promised Land. This chapter highlights themes of obedience, renewal, and the continuity of God’s promises. Key aspects include:
Reverence of the Nations: The chapter begins with the news that the Amorite and Canaanite kings are disheartened because of the Israelites, having heard how the LORD dried up the Jordan before them.
Circumcision at Gilgal: God instructs Joshua to circumcise the Israelite males born in the wilderness, as those who had come out of Egypt had been circumcised, but those born during the journey had not. This re-establishes the covenant sign given to Abraham.
The End of Manna: After the circumcision, the Israelites celebrate Passover on the plains of Jericho. The day after Passover, they eat some of the produce of the land, and the manna ceases. From then on, the Israelites eat from the crops of Canaan.
The Commander of the LORD’s Army: Near Jericho, Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword, who identifies himself as the commander of the LORD’s army. Joshua falls face down in reverence and asks what message the LORD has for him.
Instructions for Jericho: The commander instructs Joshua to remove his sandals, for the place where he is standing is holy. This mirrors Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, signifying a holy and significant moment in their journey.
Joshua 5 is a pivotal chapter that underscores the Israelites' renewal of their commitment to God through the re-establishment of covenant rituals. Circumcision and the celebration of Passover symbolize a new chapter in their history, now that they have entered the Promised Land. The chapter sets the stage for the upcoming conquest of Jericho, indicating that their success in the land depends on their faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands.