Discover the meaning of renewal at Gilgal in Joshua 5. Learn how spiritual preparation and consecration lead to victory in God's battles.
The nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan River and set up their first camp in the Promised Land. Gilgal became the base of operations for the coming conquest. The people had witnessed God's power in parting the waters. They had established memorial stones to remember His faithfulness. Yet something remained incomplete. The generation that entered Canaan was the generation that had grown up in the wilderness. They had not received the sign of circumcision that marked the covenant relationship with God.
The Lord commanded Joshua to circumcise the people at Gilgal. This act of obedience renewed the covenant that God had made with Abraham. The reproach of Egypt was rolled away from Israel. This renewal prepared the people for the battles ahead. Without this act of consecration, Israel would not be ready to face the challenges of the conquest.
The spiritual preparation at Gilgal was just as important as the military preparation. Circumcision represented a cutting away of the old life and a fresh dedication to God. The act of renewal separated Israel from the practices of Egypt and identified them as God's covenant people. This consecration was necessary before they could experience God's victory in Canaan.
The Lord also provided food from the land of Canaan. The manna that had sustained Israel for forty years ceased. The people ate the produce of the land for the first time. This transition marked the end of the wilderness and the beginning of life in the Promised Land. The combination of covenant renewal and provision from the land prepared Israel for the conquest of Jericho. The lesson from Joshua 5 continues to speak to those who must prepare themselves spiritually before facing their own battles.
The Command to Circumcise
The Reason for the Command
The Lord gave Joshua a clear command to circumcise the people. The generation that had come out of Egypt had been circumcised. That generation died in the wilderness because of their disobedience. The children born during the forty years of wandering had not been circumcised. They had grown up in the wilderness without receiving the sign of the covenant.
Joshua 5:2 records the command: "At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time." The phrase "second time" refers to the renewal of the practice that had been interrupted during the wilderness years. The act of circumcision was not a new command but a restoration of an existing covenant obligation.
The Significance of Circumcision
Circumcision was the sign of the covenant that God made with Abraham. Genesis 17:11 states: "And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you." This physical mark identified the descendants of Abraham as God's chosen people. It represented a commitment to the Lord and separation from the nations.
The act of circumcision also carried spiritual meaning. It represented a cutting away of the flesh and a dedication to God. Deuteronomy 10:16 calls for this spiritual application: "Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked." The physical act pointed to a deeper reality of heart devotion to God.
The Timing of the Command
The timing of the command is significant. Joshua circumcised the people after they crossed the Jordan and before they attacked Jericho. This delay might seem risky from a military perspective. The people would be weakened and vulnerable during their recovery. Yet God commanded the circumcision to emphasize that spiritual preparation was more important than military strategy.
The act of circumcision made the people vulnerable to their enemies. The Amorites and Canaanites might have attacked Israel while they were recovering. Yet God protected His people during this time of weakness. The obedience to God's command brought divine protection that military strength could not provide.
The Rolling Away of Reproach
The Meaning of Gilgal
The place where Israel camped was named Gilgal. Joshua 5:9 explains the name: "And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day." The name Gilgal carries the meaning of rolling away. This designation marked the location as a place of spiritual renewal.
The reproach of Egypt represented the shame of slavery and the taunts of the Egyptians. The Egyptians had mocked Israel and questioned whether God could deliver them. The wilderness generation had also experienced the reproach of unbelief, dying without entering the Promised Land. The act of circumcision rolled away this reproach, marking Israel as God's covenant people.
The Removal of Shame
The reproach of Egypt was more than just a memory. It was the shame of being slaves and the doubt that accompanied the wilderness years. The generation that entered Canaan had grown up with stories of Egypt and the wilderness. They had never fully experienced the freedom of God's promises. The circumcision at Gilgal removed this reproach and established them as a new people.
This removal of reproach parallels the work of God in the lives of believers. The old life of sin and shame is rolled away through faith in Christ. Romans 6:6 teaches: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." The reproach of the old life is removed when a person is united with Christ.
A New Identity
The circumcision at Gilgal gave Israel a new identity. They were no longer the generation that died in the wilderness. They were the people who would conquer Canaan. The act of circumcision marked them as God's covenant people, set apart for His purposes.
This new identity carried responsibilities. Israel was to be holy as God is holy. They were to live according to God's laws and represent Him to the nations. The circumcision at Gilgal was a reminder of their calling and a commitment to walk in obedience to God.
The Passover at Gilgal
The Celebration of Passover
After the circumcision, Israel celebrated the Passover. Joshua 5:10 records: "And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho." The Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt. The celebration at Gilgal connected the past deliverance with the present conquest.
The Passover was a meal of remembrance. The people ate the lamb with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. They recounted the story of the Exodus and God's mighty hand in delivering them. This celebration reminded Israel that the same God who delivered them from Egypt would give them victory in Canaan.
The Significance of the Passover
The Passover pointed forward to the sacrifice of Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:7: "For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." The lamb killed at Passover foreshadowed the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The celebration at Gilgal reminded Israel that deliverance required a sacrifice.
The Passover also reminded Israel of their dependence on God. They could not save themselves from Egypt. They could not conquer Canaan on their own. The Passover celebration reinforced their trust in God's power and provision.
The End of the Wilderness
The Passover at Gilgal marked the end of the wilderness period. The manna that had sustained Israel for forty years ceased. Joshua 5:12 records: "And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land." The people ate the produce of the land for the first time. This transition marked a new phase in Israel's history.
The ceasing of manna taught Israel to trust God in a new way. In the wilderness, they relied on daily provision from heaven. In Canaan, they would rely on the produce of the land. God's provision did not cease; it simply took a new form. The people had to learn that God provides in different ways at different times.
The Commander of the Lord's Army
The Appearance of the Commander
Joshua had a vision of a man with a drawn sword. Joshua 5:13 describes the encounter: "And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand." This was no ordinary man. The appearance of this figure signaled a supernatural encounter.
Joshua approached the man with a question: "Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?" The answer revealed the man's true identity. Joshua 5:14 records the response: "And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come." This figure was the commander of God's heavenly army, sent to lead Israel in the conquest.
The Act of Worship
Joshua recognized the divine nature of this figure. He fell on his face to the earth and worshipped. Joshua 5:14 continues: "And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship." This response of worship confirms that Joshua understood he was in the presence of God.
The commander of the Lord's army gave Joshua a command: "Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy." This command mirrors the instruction given to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). The presence of God makes any place holy. Joshua's response of reverence and obedience prepared him for the battle ahead.
The Significance of the Encounter
The appearance of the commander of the Lord's army provided assurance to Joshua. The conquest of Canaan would not be accomplished by human strength alone. The armies of heaven would fight alongside Israel. This encounter strengthened Joshua's faith and gave him confidence for the battle of Jericho.
The commander of the Lord's army also reminded Joshua of his role. Joshua was not the true commander. He was a servant following God's orders. The vision corrected any tendency toward pride or self-reliance. Joshua had to submit to God's leadership in the same way that Israel submitted to Joshua's leadership.
Lessons from Joshua 5
Spiritual Preparation Precedes Victory
The events at Gilgal demonstrate that spiritual preparation precedes victory. Israel had to be circumcised and celebrate Passover before attacking Jericho. The conquest could not succeed without this preparation. The people had to be consecrated to God before God would give them the victory.
This principle applies to the lives of believers. Victory in spiritual battles requires preparation. This preparation includes confession, repentance, and dedication to God. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:21: "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."
God Provides in New Ways
The ceasing of manna taught Israel to trust God's provision in new ways. God did not abandon His people when the manna ceased. He provided for them through the produce of the land. The people had to trust God in a new form of provision.
Believers often face transitions where old forms of provision cease. A job ends, a relationship changes, or a season of life concludes. These transitions call for trust in God's new provision. The same God who provided in the past will provide in the present, though the form may be different.
Obedience in Weakness
The command to circumcise came at a time of vulnerability. The people were weakened and exposed. Yet they obeyed, trusting God to protect them. This obedience brought divine protection and victory.
Obedience is often required when it seems most difficult. The path of obedience may not look like the path of wisdom from a human perspective. Yet God honors obedience and protects those who follow His commands. The act of circumcision at Gilgal is a testimony to the power of obedient faith.
Connections to Scripture
Circumcision in the New Testament
The act of circumcision at Gilgal points to the spiritual circumcision described in the New Testament. Colossians 2:11 teaches: "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ." The physical act in the Old Testament foreshadowed the spiritual reality in Christ.
The circumcision of the heart is the true mark of God's people. Romans 2:29 declares: "But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter." The events at Gilgal remind believers that outward acts must be accompanied by inward transformation.
The Passover in the New Testament
The Passover celebration at Gilgal finds its fulfillment in the death of Christ. The Apostle Paul calls Jesus our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). The deliverance from Egypt foreshadowed the greater deliverance from sin accomplished on the cross.
The Lord's Supper is the New Testament counterpart to the Passover. Believers celebrate the death of Christ until He returns. 1 Corinthians 11:26 instructs: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
The Commander of the Lord's Army
The commander of the Lord's army who appeared to Joshua is understood by many interpreters as a theophany, an appearance of God in human form. This figure prepared Joshua for the battle of Jericho and assured him of God's presence.
The book of Revelation describes the risen Christ leading the armies of heaven. Revelation 19:11 describes: "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True." The commander who appeared to Joshua points forward to the ultimate victory of Christ.
The Promise to Abraham Fulfilled
The events at Gilgal demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. The descendants of Abraham had entered the land promised to their fathers. The circumcision at Gilgal renewed the covenant that God made with Abraham. The Passover celebrated the deliverance that began the covenant relationship.
God's faithfulness to His promises is a consistent theme throughout scripture. Numbers 23:19 declares: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" The events at Gilgal are a testimony to God's unwavering faithfulness.
Conclusion
The renewal at Gilgal was a turning point in Israel's history. The people were circumcised, the Passover was celebrated, and the manna ceased. These events marked the transition from wilderness to conquest. The spiritual preparation at Gilgal was necessary for the military victories that would follow.
The lesson from Joshua 5 is that spiritual preparation is essential for victory. Israel could not conquer Canaan without being consecrated to God. The acts of circumcision and Passover celebration positioned them to receive God's blessing. The same principle applies to believers who face their own battles. Consecration to God opens the way for divine power to work.
The commander of the Lord's army appeared to Joshua, giving him assurance of God's presence. This encounter strengthened Joshua for the battle ahead. The appearance of this divine figure reminds believers that they do not fight alone. The armies of heaven stand ready to aid those who trust in God. The preparation at Gilgal and the assurance of divine presence equipped Israel for the conquest that would establish them in the Promised Land.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did God command circumcision at Gilgal before the battle of Jericho?
God commanded circumcision to renew the covenant relationship with Israel and to roll away the reproach of Egypt. The act of circumcision marked the people as God's covenant people and prepared them spiritually for the conquest. The obedience to this command brought divine protection and positioned Israel to receive God's victory.
2. What does Gilgal mean and why was the place named that?
Gilgal means rolling away. The name was given because God rolled away the reproach of Egypt from Israel at that location. The reproach included the shame of slavery and the taunts of the Egyptians. The naming of Gilgal marked the place as a location of spiritual renewal and new identity.
3. Why did the manna cease after Israel entered the Promised Land?
The manna ceased because Israel was no longer in the wilderness. The land of Canaan provided food through agriculture, and the people ate the produce of the land. The ceasing of manna marked the transition from wilderness provision to land provision. God's provision did not stop; it simply changed form.
4. Who was the commander of the Lord's army that appeared to Joshua?
The commander of the Lord's army was a divine figure, likely a theophany or appearance of God in human form. This figure had a drawn sword and declared that He had come as the commander of God's heavenly army. Joshua worshipped Him and received instruction about the holy ground.
5. How does Joshua 5 apply to believers today?
Joshua 5 teaches that spiritual preparation is essential before facing battles. Believers are called to consecrate themselves to God and to trust in His provision. The events at Gilgal remind believers that victory comes through obedience and reliance on God's power, not through human strength alone.
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