# Overview Joshua Chapter 5 marks a pivotal moment for the people of #Israel as they transition from wandering in the wilderness to entering the #PromisedLand. The chapter begins with the kings of the #Amorites and #Canaanites being filled with fear due to the miraculous crossing of the #JordanRiver by the Israelites, demonstrating the power and presence of #God among His people. Following this, #Joshua is instructed by God to circumcise the new generation of Israelites born in the wilderness, as their fathers had not performed this covenantal sign. This act reestablishes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, signifying their renewed commitment to Him as they prepare to possess the land promised to their ancestors. The chapter continues with the celebration of the #Passover at #Gilgal, marking the first time the Israelites celebrated this feast in the Promised Land. This observance is significant as it not only commemorates their deliverance from #Egypt but also marks the end of the manna from heaven, as they begin to eat the produce of the land. The chapter concludes with Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the army of the Lord, who stands as a divine presence assuring Joshua of God’s continued guidance and support. Joshua's reverent response underscores the holiness of the mission ahead and the necessity of obedience to God’s commands as they move forward in their conquest of #Canaan. ## Theological Insights Joshua 5 serves as a significant transition for the people of #Israel as they move from the wilderness into the Promised Land, marking a new chapter in their relationship with #God. The chapter highlights several key theological themes: 1. **Renewal of the Covenant**: The circumcision at #Gilgal signifies a renewal of the covenant between #God and #Israel. This act connects back to the covenant made with #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 17]], reaffirming Israel's identity as God's chosen people. It underscores the importance of obedience and the continuity of God's promises across generations. 2. **The Removal of Reproach**: God declares, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you" (Joshua 5:9). This statement signifies a cleansing from the past, symbolizing Israel's liberation not just from physical bondage but from the disgrace associated with their former life in #Egypt. It marks a new beginning, free from the shame of disobedience and wandering. 3. **Celebration of the Passover**: The observance of the Passover in the land of #Canaan (Joshua 5:10-12) signifies remembrance and thanksgiving. It links back to the original Passover in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]], celebrating God's deliverance and faithfulness. This act of worship as they enter the Promised Land reinforces reliance on God and the continuity of their faith tradition. 4. **Cessation of Manna**: The cessation of manna (Joshua 5:12) symbolizes a new phase of dependence. As Israel begins to eat the produce of the land, it marks a transition from divine provision in the wilderness to God blessing the work of their hands in the land He promised. This change signifies a shift in how God provides, while still affirming His faithfulness and provision. 5. **The Encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army**: Joshua's encounter with the mysterious figure (Joshua 5:13-15) highlights God's presence and leadership. The figure, often seen as a theophany (a pre-incarnate appearance of #Christ), emphasizes that the conquest of #Canaan is not merely a military endeavor, but a divine mission with God at the forefront. Joshua's act of worship and the command to remove his sandals echo the encounter of #Moses with God at the burning bush in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]], underscoring the holiness of God's presence. Overall, Joshua Chapter 5 underscores themes of covenant renewal, divine provision, and the holiness of God's mission, setting the stage for the conquest of the Promised Land under divine guidance and authority. ## Thematic Connections ### Covenant Renewal and Identity In Joshua 5, there is a strong emphasis on the renewal of the #covenant and the reaffirmation of the #Israelites' identity as God's chosen people. The act of circumcision at #Gilgal (Joshua 5:2-9) symbolizes a renewal of the covenant relationship first established with #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 17|Genesis 17]]. This act serves as a physical and spiritual mark of the Israelites' distinct identity and commitment to God’s commandments. This theme of covenant renewal is crucial as the Israelites prepare to enter and take possession of the Promised Land. ### Divine Provision and Transition The cessation of #manna and the beginning of eating the produce of #Canaan (Joshua 5:12) marks a significant transition from dependence on supernatural provision to experiencing the abundance of the Promised Land. This transition echoes the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness and provision, as seen in the wilderness journey in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16|Exodus 16]] where manna was first provided. It illustrates God's continuous care and the fulfillment of His promises. ### The Presence of the Divine Warrior The encounter with the Commander of the Lord’s Army (Joshua 5:13-15) presents a theme of divine presence and leadership in battle. This figure, who commands Joshua to remove his sandals on holy ground, connects back to #Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Exodus 3]]. This theme underscores the holiness of God and His involvement in the conquest of Canaan, emphasizing that the battle belongs to the Lord. ### Preparation for Conquest Joshua 5 is a preparatory chapter for the upcoming battles in #Canaan, emphasizing the need for spiritual readiness and obedience to God's commands. The chapter highlights the importance of preparation not just physically but also spiritually, as the Israelites are about to engage in the conquest of the land promised to their ancestors, fulfilling the promises made in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12]] and reiterated throughout the #Pentateuch. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Circumcision at Gilgal In Joshua 5, the Israelites renew their covenant with God through the rite of circumcision at #Gilgal. This act fulfills God's covenant with #Abraham, as originally established in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 17]], where circumcision is the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. This renewal signifies the Israelites' commitment to God as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. ### The Passover Celebration The celebration of Passover in Joshua 5 fulfills the longstanding command given to #Moses and #Aaron in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. Observing Passover in the Promised Land represents the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the Israelites from #Egyptian bondage and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. This event signifies a new beginning for the Israelites as they partake in the Passover meal on the plains of #Jericho, marking the transition from wilderness wandering to possessing the land. ### The Commander of the Lord's Army The appearance of the Commander of the Lord's army to #Joshua in this chapter can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to be with the Israelites as they conquer the Promised Land. This divine encounter echoes the assurance given to Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 23]], where God promises to send His angel before the Israelites to lead them into victory over their enemies. The presence of this divine figure reassures Joshua of God's continued guidance and support, fulfilling the promise of divine assistance in the conquest of Canaan. ### The Manna Ceases The cessation of #manna in Joshua 5 marks the fulfillment of God's provision promise as the Israelites begin to enjoy the produce of the land of Canaan. This event fulfills the promise made in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16]] that manna would sustain the Israelites during their wilderness journey until they reached the Promised Land. Eating the produce of the land signifies a new phase of God's provision, as the Israelites now rely on the abundance of the land promised to their forefathers. ## Verses - **Joshua 5:1** - "When all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings who lived along the Mediterranean coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan River so the people of Israel could cross, they lost heart and were paralyzed with fear because of them." - *Note*: The Lord's drying up of the Jordan River is reminiscent of the crossing of the Red Sea in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]]. The fear of the Amorite and Canaanite kings echoes the fear of the Egyptians and other nations upon hearing of God's mighty acts in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 15]]. - **Joshua 5:2** - "At that time the Lord told Joshua, 'Make flint knives and circumcise this second generation of Israelites.'" - *Note*: Circumcision is a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham as established in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 17]]. - **Joshua 5:3** - "So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the entire male population of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth." - *Note*: The location name, Gibeath-haaraloth, translates to "Hill of Foreskins." - **Joshua 5:4** - "Joshua had to circumcise them because all the men who were old enough to fight in battle when they left Egypt had died in the wilderness." - *Note*: The death of the men of military age is mentioned in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 14]]. - **Joshua 5:5** - "Those who left Egypt had all been circumcised, but none of those born after the Exodus, during the years in the wilderness, had been circumcised." - **Joshua 5:6** - "The Israelites had traveled in the wilderness for forty years until all the men who were old enough to fight in battle when they left Egypt had died. For they had disobeyed the Lord, and the Lord vowed he would not let them enter the land he had sworn to give us—a land flowing with milk and honey." - *Note*: The promise of a land flowing with milk and honey is first mentioned in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]]. - **Joshua 5:7** - "So Joshua circumcised their sons who had grown up to take their fathers' places, for they had not been circumcised on the way to the Promised Land." - **Joshua 5:8** - "After all the males had been circumcised, they rested in the camp until they were healed." - **Joshua 5:9** - "Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.' So that place has been called Gilgal to this day." - **Joshua 5:10** - "While the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month." - *Note*: The Passover celebration commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt as instituted in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. - **Joshua 5:11** - "The very next day they began to eat unleavened bread and roasted grain harvested from the land." - *Note*: Eating the produce of the land marks the transition from God's provision of manna in the wilderness. - **Joshua 5:12** - "No manna appeared on the day they first ate from the crops of the land, and it was never seen again. So from that time on the Israelites ate from the crops of Canaan." - *Note*: The cessation of manna is a significant transition for the Israelites as described in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16]]. - **Joshua 5:13** - "When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, 'Are you friend or foe?'" - *Note*: The appearance of the divine figure with a sword parallels other divine encounters, such as with the angel of the Lord in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 22]]. - **Joshua 5:14** - "'Neither one,' he replied. 'I am the commander of the Lord’s army.' At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. 'I am at your command,' Joshua said. 'What do you want your servant to do?'" - **Joshua 5:15** - "The commander of the Lord’s army replied, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did as he was told." - *Note*: This command is similar to what Moses experienced at the burning bush in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]].