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Joshua 5 · Berean Standard Bible

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¹Now 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. ²At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.” ³So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. ⁴Now 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. ⁵Though all who had come out were circumcised, none of those born in the wilderness on the journey from Egypt had been circumcised. ⁶For 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. ⁷And 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. ⁸And after all the nation had been circumcised, they stayed there in the camp until they were healed. ⁹Then 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. ¹⁰On 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. ¹¹The day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate unleavened bread and roasted grain from the produce of the land. ¹²And 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. ¹³Now 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?” ¹⁵The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Berean Standard Bible · public domain. More versions and languages in the Reading Plan.

Joshua

Joshua 5

The Covenant Renewed and the Holy Encounter at Gilgal

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Objective

To reveal the renewal of Israel’s covenant identity through circumcision, the cessation of manna as a sign of entering God’s provision in the land, and the divine commissioning of Joshua through a holy theophany.

Overview

Joshua 5 marks a pivotal moment as Israel transitions from wilderness wandering to possession of the Promised Land. The chapter opens with the fear of the Amorite and Canaanite kings upon hearing of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan. God commands Joshua to circumcise the new generation born in the wilderness, renewing the covenant sign that had been neglected. The reproach of Egypt is rolled away at Gilgal, where Israel keeps the Passover for the first time in the land. The manna ceases as they begin to eat the produce of Canaan, symbolizing a new stage of divine provision. The chapter culminates in Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the LORD’s army, a divine messenger who commands reverence and sanctifies the ground, commissioning Joshua for the coming battles.

Detailed Analysis

Event Description

The kings of the Amorites and Canaanites hear that the LORD has dried up the Jordan River for Israel’s crossing, and their hearts melt in fear, losing all courage. At this moment, God commands Joshua to circumcise the Israelites anew, a second time, because the generation that left Egypt had died in the wilderness. The new generation, born during the wilderness journey, had not been circumcised, and thus the covenant sign was missing from the people now poised to enter the land.

Central Themes

Renewal of covenant identity

obedience to God’s commands

transition from old generation to new

divine faithfulness despite human failure

preparation for possession of the land.

Cultural & Historical Context

Circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17). Its neglect during wilderness wandering symbolized a spiritual breach. Renewing circumcision before entering Canaan reaffirmed Israel’s consecration to God and their unique identity as His covenant people. This act also distinguished them from the surrounding nations and prepared them for holy warfare.

Key Verse

Joshua 5:2

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

The Fear of the Enemy and the Command to Renew the Covenant

A trembling assembly of Amorite and Canaanite kings, their faces pale and hearts melting like wax, contrasted with Joshua standing resolute on a hill, holding sharp knives under a blazing sun, as the children of Israel gather around, some with fresh wounds of circumcision, symbolizing renewal and divine command.

Gilgal: The Place of New Beginning and Passover

A vast camp at Gilgal under a crimson sunset, the dust swirling as the reproach of Egypt rolls away like a heavy cloak from Israel’s shoulders. The people celebrate Passover with unleavened bread and parched corn, their faces illuminated with hope, while manna fades like morning mist, and the land’s fruitfulness bursts forth in vibrant greens and golds.

The Divine Commander and the Holiness of the Ground

Joshua, bowed low on the earth, face to the ground in worship, before a majestic figure clad in radiant armor, sword drawn yet at rest. The ground beneath glows with a sacred light, sandals removed, as a hush falls over the scene, signifying the presence of God’s holy warrior and the consecration of the land.

Song

Joshua 5 Song

Verse 1

The kings of earth hear trembling news, Their courage melts like morning dew. Yet God commands with steady voice, Renew the sign, renew the choice.

Verse 2

A warrior stands with sword in hand, Commander of the LORD’s great band. Joshua bows, his heart made whole, Holy ground beneath his soul.

Chorus

At Gilgal’s place, the past rolls away, The reproach of Egypt no longer stays. We feast on land, no more on bread from sky, Our God is faithful, His hand is nigh.

Bridge

Remove your shoes, stand reverent here, The holy presence draws us near. In every step, in every fight, God leads His people into light.

Final Chorus

At Gilgal’s place, the past rolls away, The reproach of Egypt no longer stays. We feast on land, no more on bread from sky, Our God is faithful, His hand is nigh.

Practical Application

Personal Life

Recognize the need for continual spiritual renewal and obedience to God’s covenant commands.

Embrace God’s provision in new seasons, trusting Him to supply as He leads into new challenges.

Approach God’s presence with reverence, acknowledging the holiness of the ground where He meets us.

Community & Society

Encourage one another to uphold covenant faithfulness as a community, renewing commitments regularly.

Celebrate God’s faithfulness together, marking milestones that signify growth and transition.

Support leaders who walk humbly before God, recognizing their divine commission and authority.

Global Perspective

Witness to the world that God’s promises are sure, as His people enter new lands and seasons by faith.

Stand firm against fear and intimidation, trusting God’s power over enemies and obstacles.

Promote holiness and respect for God’s presence in public and sacred spaces worldwide.

Conclusion

Joshua 5 unfolds the moment Israel steps into God’s promise with renewed covenant identity and divine commissioning. The circumcision of the new generation restores their sacred sign; the Passover at Gilgal and cessation of manna mark a transition from wilderness to inheritance. The encounter with the LORD’s commander assures Joshua—and all Israel—that God goes before them, sanctifying the ground and empowering their conquest. This chapter calls believers to continual renewal, reverence, and trust in God’s faithful provision and presence.