Joshua 5 describes Israel’s spiritual preparation before the battle of Jericho. When the Canaanite kings hear how God dried up the Jordan, their hearts melt with fear. God commands Joshua to circumcise the new generation born in the wilderness, renewing the covenant. The Israelites then celebrate the Passover at Gilgal. The next day, they eat produce from the land, and the manna that had sustained them for forty years ceases. Near Jericho, Joshua encounters a mysterious man with a drawn sword—the Commander of the Lord’s army. Joshua falls in reverence, realizing he stands on holy ground, just as Moses did before the burning bush.
1. Fear Among Canaan’s Kings (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.” (Joshua 5:1, NLT)
Commentary:
- News of the Jordan miracle spreads quickly, striking terror into the hearts of Israel’s enemies.
- God’s power precedes His people, preparing the way for victory before battle even begins.
- The Canaanite kings recognize that Israel’s success is not military but divine.
- Fear among the nations fulfills God’s earlier promise (Deut. 2:25).
- Israel’s greatest weapon is not strength but God’s presence.
Insight:
When God is with His people, even enemies tremble—He fights their battles before they begin.
2. Renewal of the Covenant: Circumcision at Gilgal (Joshua 5:2–9)
“At that time the Lord told Joshua, ‘Make flint knives and circumcise this second generation of Israelites.’
So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the entire male population of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.
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.
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.
The Israelites had traveled in the wilderness for forty years until all the men who were old enough to fight 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.
So Joshua circumcised their sons—those who had grown up to take their fathers’ places—for they had not been circumcised on the way to the Promised Land.
After all the males had been circumcised, they rested in the camp until they were healed.
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 5:2–9, NLT)
Commentary:
- Before conquering the land, God calls Israel to spiritual renewal through circumcision—the sign of His covenant.
- The new generation must bear the mark of covenant identity before inheriting covenant promises.
- This act separates Israel from Egypt’s past and dedicates them anew to God.
- The name Gilgal (“rolling”) symbolizes the removal of shame and restoration of covenant favor.
- Obedience to God’s commands precedes victory; holiness comes before conquest.
- The people’s willingness to obey, even in vulnerability, demonstrates trust in God’s protection.
Insight:
Before God gives victory, He renews hearts. Covenant identity must be restored before claiming covenant inheritance.
3. Celebration of Passover (Joshua 5:10–12)
“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.
The very next day they began to eat unleavened bread and roasted grain harvested from the land.
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.” (Joshua 5:10–12, NLT)
Commentary:
- The celebration of Passover reconnects Israel to their redemption story—freedom from Egypt and faith in God’s deliverance.
- Eating the produce of Canaan marks a new stage: from wilderness dependence to promise fulfillment.
- The ceasing of manna signifies transition—God provides in new ways for a new season.
- The covenant meal reaffirms relationship and reminds them that victory flows from grace, not effort.
Insight:
When God brings His people into new seasons, He changes how He provides—miracles may end, but His faithfulness continues.
4. The Commander of the Lord’s Army (Joshua 5:13–15)
“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?’
‘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?’
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.” (Joshua 5:13–15, NLT)
Commentary:
- Joshua encounters a divine warrior, the Commander of the Lord’s army—likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.
- The encounter occurs before battle, reminding Joshua that God Himself leads Israel’s army.
- The answer “neither” teaches that God’s concern is not human sides but divine purpose—Joshua must align with God’s will, not vice versa.
- Joshua’s posture of worship and submission shows true leadership—bowing before God before leading people.
- The command to remove sandals recalls Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), linking Joshua’s mission to God’s holy presence and continuity of purpose.
- This moment transforms the coming battle from human warfare to divine mission.
Insight:
Victory belongs to God. True strength begins with surrender to His authority and holiness.
Theological Significance of Joshua 5
- Highlights spiritual preparation before physical conquest.
- Reveals that covenant renewal (circumcision and Passover) is essential for victory.
- Demonstrates that God’s presence, not human power, secures triumph.
- The appearance of the Commander shows that God Himself fights for His people.
- Marks transition: from wilderness dependence to covenant possession, from old shame to renewed identity.
Practical Applications
- Renew Your Covenant: Spiritual victories come through renewal of commitment to God.
- Trust God’s Provision: When one form of provision ceases, expect a new one suited to your new season.
- Submit to God’s Leadership: Align with God’s plan, not merely seek His support for your own.
- Honor Holiness: God’s presence demands reverence—every step of obedience is sacred.
- Lead in Humility: Like Joshua, bow before God before confronting challenges.
Final Insight:
Joshua 5 shows that before battles are won outwardly, they must be won inwardly. God renews His covenant, removes past shame, and reveals Himself as the true Commander. Victory begins with consecration, worship, and obedience to the Holy One who leads His people.
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