Joshua 5

Joshua 5:1

AMorites] The Amorites were on both sides Jordan, whereof two kings were slain already on the side towards Moab.

westward] Inhabiting in the western parts of the land of Canaan.

melted] That is, fainted. See Chap. 2. Vers. 9. 11. 24.

Joshua 5:2

At that time] To wit, after they were passed Jordan, and were now entred into the land of promise.

sharp knives] The Chaldee paraphrase hath it, sharp rasours.

circumcise] Hebr. turn again, circumcise; that is, circumcise again: an Hebrew manner of speaking. The like used, Numbers 11:4. Psalms 85:7. Ezekiel 8:6. It was first commanded unto Abraham and his seed, and by him observed; but omitted in the wildernesse, at least from the Spies returning from searching the land, which was the second yeer after their coming out of Egypt, either out of their neglect of Gods holy Sacrament, or because they were to remove from place to place at Gods appointment; which they could not do without great danger and hurt to those who were newly, circumcised. See 5: 8. for though sometime they encamped long in a place, yet all that while they had no assurance of their abode there, but were still at an hours warning to remove: And now the LORD requireth that circumcision should be restored to its primitive use.

Joshua 5:3

and circumcised] They took order that they should be circumcised; to wit, all that were yet uncircumcised.

hill of fore-skins] So called, because the people circumcised left there their fore-skins.

Joshua 5:4

died] Namely, for their si and rebellion against God, Numbers 14:23. 1 Corinthians 10:5. Hebrews 3:17.

Joshua 5:5

they] To wit, their parents.

Joshua 5:6

give us] That is, to me, Caleb, and their posterity.

Joshua 5:9

reproach of Egypt] That is, contracted in Egypt, because the Israelites following the example of the uncircumcised Egyptians rather then Gods commandment, had left this reproach upon their children, That they had not the sacrament of Gods covenant, but had their fore-skin still on them to their shame, Genesis 34:14. Some hereby understand that reproach which the Egyptians would have cast upon God and his people, if they could not have entred into the land of promise. See Deuteronomy 9:28. Numbers 14:16.

from off you] That is, which would have layen upon you.

Gilgal] Because the reproach which was rolled or turned away, when as by circumcision they renewed their covenant with God.

Joshua 5:10

the passeover] Which was likewise neglected in the wildernesse, saving onely the second yeer after their coming out of Egypt. See Num. 9. 1, 2.

moneth] That is, the first moneth. Exodus 12:2; Exodus 12:6. So Joshua 4:19.

Joshua 5:13

a man] The Lord Christ, who assumed and appeared in the shape of man; as now, so at sundry other times, as a preparative to his incarnation: for, that it was no created angel, appeareth by Joshua’s adoration, and his acceptance of it, seeing a created angel would have refused it, Revelation 19:10. 22. 9. Judg. 13. 16.

his sword drawn] As the LORD of hosts, ready prepared to execute judgement on the cursed nations; that hereby he might encourage Joshua in assurance that he should be victorious, seeing he was on his side, rady to fight against his enemies.

Joshua 5:14

Nay] 1: e. I am not for your adversaries.

but as captain] That is, prince and chief generall both of the angels which fight for the church, being Michael the arch-angel, the chief prince, Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:21. Revelation 12:7. 19. 11, 14. and also of the church militant, and am now come to ayd Israel, which is the people and host of God.

worship] Because he knew him to be the Lord Christ, the eternall Son of God.

What saith my Lord] A question rising from reverence and admiration; q. d. What will it please my Lord to command his servant, that I may do it?

Joshua 5:15

Loose thy shoe] So the Moses, Exodus 3:5. which God required, that he might affect him with an awfull and religious reverence of his divine presence, Lev. 16. 2. Exodus 30:10.

is holy] Not in it self inherently, but as it is now sanctified by my divine and holy presence.