In this chapter, Israel reestablishes covenant ceremonies and Joshua meets the Lord’s commander. The chapter begins highlighting how the Amorite and Canaanite kings were paralyzed with fear when they heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan River so the people of Israel could cross. Man, we serve a mighty God!
“At that time the Lord told Joshua, “Use knives of flint to make the Israelites a circumcised people again.” (Joshua 5:2) Joshua did as the Lord commanded and circumcised all the males of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.
“Joshua had to circumcise them because all the men who were old enough to bear arms when they left Egypt had died in the wilderness. Those who left Egypt had all been circumcised, but none of those born after the Exodus, during the years in the wilderness, had been circumcised. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years until all the men who were old enough to bear arms when they left Egypt had died. For they had disobeyed the Lord, and the Lord vowed he would not let them enter the land he had sworn to give us -- a land flowing with milk and honey. So Joshua circumcised their sons who had not been circumcised on the way to the Promised Land -- those who had grown up to take their fathers’ places. After all the males had been circumcised, they rested in the camp until they were healed.” (Joshua 5:4-8)
“Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.” So that place has been called Gilgal to this day. (verse 9)
As I'm proof reading this, It just dawned on me that this "rolled away shame" reference has some significance that I failed to realize. As a result, I need to do a little research. I'm thinking that circumcision is cutting away fears, anxiety, insecurities, SHAME, sin, etc. from our being....like a new birth or baptism. I'll add to this thought when I dig into it, God willing. As usual, if anyone knows, finds out, or has relevant information to share, please place a comment.
While camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated Passover. Passover marks Israel’s exodus from Egypt, and it is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the first month. My bible indicates that that day in the Hebrew calendar occurs in late March or early April. For more information about Passover, we discussed it in our lesson in Numbers 9.
“The very next day (the 15th) they began to eat unleavened bread and roasted grain harvested from the land. No manna appeared that day, and it was never seen again. So from that time on the Israelites ate from the crops of Canaan.” (Joshua 5:11-12)
Wow! Remember, manna was their main source of food during their forty years in the wilderness. God provided it for them and it fell from the sky to the ground like snow. It was a thin bread-like substance. Now they can eat like kings and queens in the Promised Land!
The chapter ends with the Lord’s commander confronting Joshua. “As Joshua approached the city of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man facing him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you friend or foe?” “Neither one,” he replied. “ I am commander of the Lord’s army.”
At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “take off your sandals, for this is holy ground.” And Joshua did as he was told.” (Joshua 5:13-15)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! When we align ourselves with you, you make our enemies our footstools, and the battles we have yet to fight -- you have already prepared your army. You are worthy to be praised! We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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