Cutting off the flesh, renewing Passover and meeting the Captain before battle
Joshua 5 is remarkable because Israel pauses immediately after crossing Jordan. Before attacking Jericho, the new generation is circumcised, Passover is kept, manna ceases and Joshua encounters the Captain of the LORD’S host. Militarily, stopping to circumcise the army seems dangerous; spiritually, it is essential. Israel must restore covenant identity and worship before conquest. The chapter teaches that victory depends on relationship with God rather than merely on military readiness.
1. Do not let urgency push covenant faithfulness aside
Jericho is near and vulnerable, yet Israel first obeys God concerning circumcision and Passover. Spiritual priorities should not be postponed simply because a task feels urgent.
2. Obedience can appear strategically foolish
Circumcising the fighting men temporarily weakens the army after crossing Jordan. (Joshua 5:2-8). Faith sometimes obeys before it can see how vulnerability will be protected.
3. God can restrain the enemy while His people obey
The Canaanite kings’ hearts have melted after hearing of Jordan. (Joshua 5:1). Israel’s safety ultimately depends on God.
4. Circumcision points to the heart
The physical sign belonged to the Abrahamic covenant; the prophets and apostles develop the deeper need for circumcision of heart. (Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:28-29).
5. The Christian ‘cutting off’ concerns the works of the flesh
Paul associates believers in Christ with a circumcision made without hands. (Colossians 2:11-12). Baptism begins a life of putting fleshly conduct to death.
6. Gilgal marks the rolling away of reproach
God says, “This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you.” (Joshua 5:9). Deliverance should involve leaving the old identity behind.
7. Passover is restored before warfare begins
Israel keeps the feast in the plains of Jericho. (Joshua 5:10). Remembrance of redemption comes before conquest.
8. Christ our Passover remains central to discipleship
The Passover pattern directs believers toward Christ’s sacrifice and the call to keep the feast with sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).
9. New provision can replace old provision without implying God has abandoned us
Manna ceases once Israel eats the produce of Canaan. (Joshua 5:11-12). God’s method of provision changes because the stage of the journey has changed.
10. Do not become attached to the form of a blessing rather than the Giver
Manna had sustained Israel for forty years, but it was never meant to continue forever. Faith adapts when God changes circumstances.
11. Joshua asks the wrong first question of the heavenly commander
He asks, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13). The answer “Nay” redirects the issue: Joshua must align himself with God’s command, not recruit God to his side.
12. The Captain represents divine authority
The figure identifies himself as captain of the LORD’S host. (Joshua 5:14). In Christadelphian understanding, angelic representatives can bear divine authority without being God Himself.
13. Holy ground calls for reverence
Joshua removes his shoe as commanded. (Joshua 5:15), echoing Moses at the burning bush. God’s presence should never become ordinary.
14. The real Commander is not Joshua
Before Jericho, Joshua is reminded that the campaign belongs to God. Leadership is safest when it knows it is under higher authority.
15. Preparation for spiritual battle begins with worship
Circumcision, Passover, changed provision and reverence all precede chapter 6. Spiritual warfare is won through covenant faithfulness before public confrontation.
Closing thought
Joshua 5 deliberately delays the battle so that Israel can be spiritually ready. Before facing Jericho, the people must remember who they are, cut off the flesh, keep Passover and acknowledge the true Commander.
Practical Readings — Joshua 5