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Joshua 5

15 verses

TL;DR

Joshua receives divine instruction to circumcise the Israelite men again and recounts the establishment of Gilgal, the first Passover, and a divine encounter before the Battle of Jericho.

Summary

After the Israelites cross the Jordan, the LORD commands Joshua to circumcise the men again, noting that the original generation was not circumcised and was lost in the wilderness. Joshua carries out the circumcision at the hill of the foreskins, ensuring all new births receive the rite. The LORD declares that the place where this is done is Gilgal, marking the removal of Egypt’s reproach. The Israelites camp there, observe the Passover with the first meal of old corn, and the manna ceases as they transition to the land’s produce. Before the battle at Jericho, Joshua encounters a man with a sword who reveals himself as a captain of the LORD’s host; Joshua is instructed to remove his sandal in the holy place.

Outline
  1. Divine command to circumcise and its fulfillment
  2. Establishment of Gilgal and the first Passover
  3. Transition from manna to Canaanite food
  4. Divine encounter before Jericho
Themes
Obedience to covenantRenewal of covenantal identityDivine presence in Israelite lifeTransition from wilderness to settled life
Keywords
circumcisioncovenantIsraelJerichoGilgalpassovermannaLORDcaptain of the host
People
Joshuathe LORDcaptain of the host of the LORDchildren of Israelkings of the Amoriteskings of the Canaanites
Places
JordanGilgalJerichoplains of Jerichohill of the foreskins
Things
sharp knivescircumcisionold cornunleavened cakesparched cornmannaswordshoe
Key Verses
  • Joshua 5:2: God’s direct command to Joshua to circumcise the Israelites again, emphasizing covenant renewal.
  • Joshua 5:9: Declaration that Gilgal is the place where God removed the reproach of Egypt, symbolizing a new covenantal phase.
  • Joshua 5:11: Passover celebration with the first old corn meal, marking transition from manna to land produce.
  • Joshua 5:14: Divine encounter with a captain of the host, illustrating God's direct involvement before battle.
Questions
  • What does the repeated circumcision signify about Israel’s relationship with God?
  • Why does the narrative emphasize the removal of Egypt’s reproach at Gilgal?
  • How does the transition from manna to Canaanite produce affect Israelite identity?
  • What is the significance of Joshua’s encounter with the captain of the host?
  • In what way does this chapter set the stage for the battles that follow?
Sentiment

neutral
The text presents a mixture of divine instruction, historical recounting, and encounters that are largely descriptive and neither overtly positive nor negative.