Joshua 5
BSB1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites. 2 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again. “ 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. 4 Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. 5 Though all who had come out were circumcised, none of those born in the wilderness on the journey from Egypt had been circumcised. 6 For the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness forty years, until all the nation’s men of war who had come out of Egypt had died, since they did not obey the LORD. So the LORD vowed never to let them see the land He had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 And Joshua raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones he circumcised. Until this time they were still uncircumcised, since they had not been circumcised along the way. 8 And after all the nation had been circumcised, they stayed there in the camp until they were healed. 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. 10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they kept the Passover. 11 The day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate unleavened bread and roasted grain from the produce of the land. 12 And the day after they had eaten from the produce of the land, the manna ceased. There was no more manna for the Israelites, so that year they began to eat the crops of the land of Canaan. 13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?" 14 “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?" 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 so.
Study Notes — Joshua 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Joshua 5
- Themes from Joshua 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Joshua 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the kings of the Amorites and the kings of the Canaanites hearing about the Israelites' approach and being terrified (Joshua 5:1). The Israelites then circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, as they had not been circumcised (Joshua 5:2-9). Afterward, they celebrate the Passover, marking the first time they have done so since leaving Egypt (Joshua 5:10). The day after the Passover, the Israelites eat the produce of the land, and the manna ceases (Joshua 5:11-12). Joshua encounters the Commander of the Lord's army, who identifies Himself as the Commander and instructs Joshua to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (Joshua 5:13-15). This chapter serves as a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, preparing them for the battles ahead and reminding them of God's presence and covenant with them.
Context for the Chapter
Joshua chapter 5 is situated in the context of the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land. The chapter serves as a pivotal moment in their journey, preparing them for the battles ahead and reminding them of God's presence and covenant with them. The events of this chapter are also significant in the larger biblical narrative, as they foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the importance of covenant renewal and the celebration of the Passover, which are both essential aspects of the Israelites' relationship with God.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the importance of preparing for spiritual battle by renewing our commitment to God and celebrating the redemption we have in Christ. As we face our own battles, we can draw encouragement from the fact that God is with us, guiding and empowering us to overcome them. We must also remember to reverence and worship God, recognizing the sacred nature of our encounters with Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Joshua chapter 5 is about the Israelites preparing for spiritual battle as they enter the Promised Land. They renew their covenant with God through circumcision and celebrate the Passover, marking the first time they have done so since leaving Egypt. The chapter also highlights the encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army, which serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of covenant renewal, the celebration of the Passover, and the reverence and worship that are due to God.
Voices from the Church
“The Commander of the Lord's army is a type of Christ, who is the Captain of our salvation and the Leader of our spiritual battles. As we face our own battles, we can draw encouragement from the fact that Christ is with us, guiding and empowering us to overcome them.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The circumcision of the Israelites serves as a reminder of the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. This is evident in Joshua 5:2-9, where all the males who were born during the wilderness journey are circumcised.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Fear of the Canaanites (Joshua 5:1) — The kings of the Amorites and the kings of the Canaanites hear about the Israelites' approach and are terrified, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' presence in the Promised Land.
- The Circumcision of the Israelites (Joshua 5:2-9) — The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, emphasizing the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands.
- The Celebration of the Passover (Joshua 5:10-12) — The Israelites celebrate the Passover, marking the first time they have done so since leaving Egypt. This event is significant because it symbolizes God's power and redemption.
- The Encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army (Joshua 5:13-15) — The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of preparation for battle. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the Commander of the Lord's army.
- The Significance of the Encounter (Joshua 5:13-15) — The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army is significant because it highlights the sacred nature of the Israelites' relationship with God and serves as a reminder of the reverence and worship that are due to Him.
Core Doctrines
- Covenant Theology
- The chapter highlights the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. This is evident in Joshua 5:2-9, where all the males who were born during the wilderness journey are circumcised.
- Christology
- The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army (Joshua 5:13-15) foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the Commander of the Lord's army and the Captain of our salvation.
- Soteriology
- The celebration of the Passover (Joshua 5:10) serves as a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and symbolizes God's power and redemption. This event is also significant because it foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant through the sacrifice of Christ.
- Ecclesiology
- The chapter highlights the importance of the community of believers in the midst of spiritual battle. The Israelites are reminded of their covenant with God and are encouraged to reverence and worship Him, recognizing the sacred nature of their relationship with Him.
Lessons from Joshua 5
- The Importance of Covenant Renewal — The chapter highlights the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. This is evident in Joshua 5:2-9, where all the males who were born during the wilderness journey are circumcised.
- The Celebration of the Passover — The celebration of the Passover (Joshua 5:10) serves as a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and symbolizes God's power and redemption.
- The Encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army — The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army (Joshua 5:13-15) serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of preparation for battle. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the Commander of the Lord's army.
- The Significance of the Encounter — The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army is significant because it highlights the sacred nature of the Israelites' relationship with God and serves as a reminder of the reverence and worship that are due to Him.
- The Application of the Lessons — The chapter reminds us of the importance of preparing for spiritual battle by renewing our commitment to God and celebrating the redemption we have in Christ. As we face our own battles, we can draw encouragement from the fact that God is with us, guiding and empowering us to overcome them.
Themes from Joshua 5
- Covenant Renewal — The chapter highlights the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. This is evident in Joshua 5:2-9, where all the males who were born during the wilderness journey are circumcised.
- The Celebration of the Passover — The celebration of the Passover (Joshua 5:10) serves as a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and symbolizes God's power and redemption.
- The Encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army — The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army (Joshua 5:13-15) serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of preparation for battle. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the Commander of the Lord's army.
- The Significance of the Encounter — The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army is significant because it highlights the sacred nature of the Israelites' relationship with God and serves as a reminder of the reverence and worship that are due to Him.
- The Application of the Lessons — The chapter reminds us of the importance of preparing for spiritual battle by renewing our commitment to God and celebrating the redemption we have in Christ. As we face our own battles, we can draw encouragement from the fact that God is with us, guiding and empowering us to overcome them.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the circumcision of the Israelites signify, and how does it relate to our own spiritual journey?
- How does the celebration of the Passover in Joshua 5:10-12 relate to the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant through the sacrifice of Christ?
- What does the encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army reveal about God's character and presence in our lives?
- How can we apply the lessons of Joshua 5 to our own spiritual battles, and what encouragement can we draw from God's presence and guidance?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of covenant renewal and the celebration of the Passover in our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Fear of the Canaanites (Joshua 5:1)
| Joshua 5:1 | The kings of the Amorites and the kings of the Canaanites hear about the Israelites' approach and are terrified, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' presence in the Promised Land. |
2. The Circumcision of the Israelites (Joshua 5:2-9)
| Joshua 5:2 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, emphasizing the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. |
| Joshua 5:3 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' relationship with God. |
| Joshua 5:4 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, emphasizing the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. |
| Joshua 5:5 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' relationship with God. |
| Joshua 5:6 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, emphasizing the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. |
| Joshua 5:7 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' relationship with God. |
| Joshua 5:8 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, emphasizing the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. |
| Joshua 5:9 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' relationship with God. |
3. The Celebration of the Passover (Joshua 5:10-12)
| Joshua 5:10 | The Israelites celebrate the Passover, marking the first time they have done so since leaving Egypt. This event is significant because it symbolizes God's power and redemption. |
| Joshua 5:11 | The day after the Passover, the Israelites eat the produce of the land, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' relationship with God. |
| Joshua 5:12 | The manna ceases, emphasizing the importance of the Israelites' trust in God's provision. |
4. The Encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army (Joshua 5:13-15)
| Joshua 5:13 | Joshua encounters the Commander of the Lord's army, who identifies Himself as the Commander and instructs Joshua to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. |
| Joshua 5:14 | The Commander of the Lord's army identifies Himself as the Commander and instructs Joshua to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground, highlighting the sacred nature of the Israelites' relationship with God. |
| Joshua 5:15 | Joshua removes his sandals, recognizing the sacred nature of the encounter and the reverence and worship that are due to God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the circumcision of the Israelites in Joshua 5:2-9?
The circumcision of the Israelites signifies the renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. This is evident in Joshua 5:2-9, where all the males who were born during the wilderness journey are circumcised.
What is the significance of the celebration of the Passover in Joshua 5:10-12?
The celebration of the Passover in Joshua 5:10-12 serves as a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and symbolizes God's power and redemption. This event is also significant because it foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant through the sacrifice of Christ.
Who is the Commander of the Lord's army in Joshua 5:13-15?
The Commander of the Lord's army in Joshua 5:13-15 is a type of Christ, who is the Captain of our salvation and the Leader of our spiritual battles. The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of preparation for battle.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 5:1 → Genesis 15:18 | The kings of the Amorites and the kings of the Canaanites hear about the Israelites' approach and are terrified, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' presence in the Promised Land. This event is reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:18, where God promises to give the land to Abraham's descendants. |
| 2 | Joshua 5:2 → Genesis 17:10-14 | The Israelites circumcise all the males who were born during the wilderness journey, emphasizing the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. This event is reminiscent of God's command to Abraham to circumcise all the males in his household in Genesis 17:10-14. |
| 3 | Joshua 5:10 → Exodus 12:1-28 | The Israelites celebrate the Passover, marking the first time they have done so since leaving Egypt. This event is significant because it symbolizes God's power and redemption, as seen in the original Passover in Exodus 12:1-28. |
| 4 | Joshua 5:13 → Hebrews 2:10 | The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of preparation for battle. This event is reminiscent of the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the Captain of our salvation and the Leader of our spiritual battles, as seen in Hebrews 2:10. |
| 5 | Joshua 5:14 → Isaiah 6:1-5 | The Commander of the Lord's army identifies Himself as the Commander and instructs Joshua to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground, highlighting the sacred nature of the Israelites' relationship with God. This event is reminiscent of Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah 6:1-5, where Isaiah is also instructed to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. |
| 6 | Joshua 5:15 → Matthew 3:17 | Joshua removes his sandals, recognizing the sacred nature of the encounter and the reverence and worship that are due to God. This event is reminiscent of the voice from heaven at Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:17, where God declares Jesus to be His beloved Son. |
| 7 | Joshua 5:1 → Acts 13:19 | The kings of the Amorites and the kings of the Canaanites hear about the Israelites' approach and are terrified, highlighting the significance of the Israelites' presence in the Promised Land. This event is reminiscent of the early Christian church's expansion into the Gentile world, as seen in Acts 13:19. |
| 8 | Joshua 5:13 → Revelation 19:11-16 | The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of preparation for battle. This event is reminiscent of the return of Jesus Christ, who is the Commander of the Lord's army and the Leader of our spiritual battles, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16. |
| 9 | Joshua 5:14 → Psalm 24:7-10 | The Commander of the Lord's army identifies Himself as the Commander and instructs Joshua to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground, highlighting the sacred nature of the Israelites' relationship with God. This event is reminiscent of the psalmist's declaration of God's kingship in Psalm 24:7-10, where God is praised as the King of glory. |
| 10 | Joshua 5:15 → Ephesians 6:10-18 | Joshua removes his sandals, recognizing the sacred nature of the encounter and the reverence and worship that are due to God. This event is reminiscent of the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18, where believers are instructed to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. |
Sermons on Joshua 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha |
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Future Trends for the Body of Christ by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the things that are at hand rather than being distracted by distant and exciting things. He shares a pe |
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Another Urgent Message by B.H. Clendennen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to God's ways and allowing Him to search our hearts deeply. It highlights the need for repentance, surrender, and obedience to Go |
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(Exodus) Exodus 16:32-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the manna in the wilderness and its representation of Christ's provision and sacrifice. He explains that the manna was pl |
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How We Wage Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need to recognize God as our Commander-in-Chief. He references 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, highlightin |
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Jericho: Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Stephen Kahn focuses on the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho as described in Joshua chapter 5 and 6. He emphasizes that in spiritual conflict, we are to st |
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(Through the Bible) Joshua 1-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the excitement and importance of walking after the Spirit. He references the story of Joshua encountering a man with a drawn sword near Jeric |
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The Stones of Testing by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a concrete testimony to the power of God's resurrection and victory over death. He uses the story of Joshua and the crossin |
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Truths From Israel's History, Part 3 - Captain of the Lord's Host by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the encounter between Joshua and the captain of the Lord's host. Joshua is surprised to see a man with a drawn sword standing opposite him n |
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K-482 True Sending for True Ministry (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acting solely in response to need. He highlights the danger of the church being deceived in the last days by constantly |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 5
Matthew Henry's commentary on Joshua 5 highlights the significance of the circumcision of the Israelites and the celebration of the Passover. He notes that the circumcision of the Israelites signifies the renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of covenant renewal and the need for believers to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. He also emphasizes the significance of the celebration of the Passover, which serves as a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and symbolizes God's power and redemption. Furthermore, he notes that the encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of preparation for battle, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the Captain of our salvation and the Leader of our spiritual battles. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Covenant Renewal
The chapter highlights the importance of covenant renewal through circumcision, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to reaffirm their commitment to obeying God's commands. This is evident in Joshua 5:2-9, where all the males who were born during the wilderness journey are circumcised.
The Celebration of the Passover
The celebration of the Passover (Joshua 5:10) serves as a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and marks the first time they have done so since leaving Egypt. This event is significant because it symbolizes God's power and redemption.
The Encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army
The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's army (Joshua 5:13-15) is significant because it foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ and serves as a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of preparation for battle.