Joshua 5

The Canaanites disheartened (v. 1)—This chapter is introduced with a brief statement of the discouragement of the kings of the land when they “heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel” (v. 1). A superstitious people anyway, these pagans knew that their gods had never done such a miracle. How could they defeat a God Who could? Thus, “there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel.” We’ve already seen this, as stated by Rahab the harlot in chapter 2.

The men circumcised (vs. 2-9)—A few things remained to be done, however, before the conquest began. Jehovah commanded the men to be circumcised (v. 2), something they had not done in the wilderness (v. 5). The men in Egypt had been circumcised, but those who were born in the wilderness were not. No reason is given why they weren’t; it was a rebellious people, so perhaps they rebelled in that matter as well. Joshua (and I am assuming he is the author of the book) explains that the men of war who came out of Egypt were not allowed to enter the Promised Land “because they did not obey the voice of the Lord” (v. 6). So they all died, and their children came into the land. But, initially uncircumcised. Joshua had all the men circumcised (v. 7). They remained in the camp until they were healed (v. 8). This would have been a good time for the pagan peoples of Canaan to attack them, when the Israelites could not defend themselves. But…verse 1. They were disheartened. God makes His plans very well, thanks you. Jehovah names the location of this camp “Gilgal,” which means “rolling,” because “this day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” (v. 9).

The Passover kept (vs. 10-14)—It was that time of the year, so the people observed the Passover. That would take a week, and again, they could have been attacked at that time. But the Lord took care of them. Joshua mentions that, for the first time, they “ate of the produce of the land” (v. 11). The manna, which had fed them for 40 years, ceased (v. 12). It was no longer needed. They were in the “land flowing with milk and honey.”

Joshua confronted by a “Man” (vs. 13-15)—As they neared Jericho, Joshua came face to face with “a Man” who had “His sword drawn in His hand” (v. 13). Joshua did not immediately recognized Him, and asked if He were friend or foe. The “Man” introduced Himself as “Commander of the army of the Lord” (v. 14). Joshua then recognized Him and “worshiped” Him, which indicates that the “Him” was not an angel, but was a manifestation of God. He commanded Joshua to remove his sandals “for the place where you stand is holy.” Joshua, of course, did so (v. 15). The indication here is that the Lord is providing encouragement and strength to His human commander. By announcing that He is the true “Commander of the army of the Lord,” how could Joshua lose?