Main Idea
Before Israel begins the conquest of Canaan, God renews His covenant with His people through circumcision, Passover, and a powerful reminder that victory belongs to Him.
Key Verse
“The commander of the LORD’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.” (Joshua 5:15)
Commentary
Joshua 5 is a chapter of preparation. Israel has crossed the Jordan, but before they fight their first battle, God calls them to spiritual renewal. The surrounding kings of Canaan are already terrified by the news of the Jordan’s parting (v. 1). Yet instead of striking immediately, Joshua obeys God’s command to circumcise the new generation. This was an act of faith and vulnerability, since the men would be incapacitated for days. It showed that God’s covenant sign mattered more than military advantage.
The circumcision at Gilgal (vv. 2–9) restored the covenant identity of Israel. The previous generation that had left Egypt had been circumcised, but the children born during the forty years of wandering had not. Without this mark, they were cut off from covenant blessings. God declares after this act, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you” (v. 9). Gilgal, meaning “rolling,” becomes the name of the place, signifying a new beginning.
Immediately after, the people celebrate Passover (vv. 10–12). This was their first Passover in the Promised Land, linking their deliverance from Egypt with their new inheritance. On that day, the manna that had sustained them for forty years ceased. Now they ate from the produce of Canaan—grain from the land promised to their fathers. God had brought them full circle, from slavery in Egypt to provision in the land of promise.
The chapter closes with Joshua’s encounter near Jericho. He meets a mysterious figure described as the “commander of the LORD’s army” (vv. 13–15). Joshua asks if he is for Israel or their enemies, but the commander responds, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” This reveals that the coming battles are not ultimately about Israel’s agenda but God’s. Joshua’s proper response is worship, removing his sandals in recognition of holy ground—just as Moses did at the burning bush. Many scholars see this figure as a theophany (a manifestation of God) or even a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, showing that God Himself leads the battle.
Life Application
Joshua 5 reminds us that spiritual renewal must precede spiritual victory. Israel could not move forward in conquest without first restoring their covenant identity. In the same way, our strength in life’s battles does not come from strategy or effort alone, but from being aligned with God through obedience and devotion.
The circumcision at Gilgal challenges us to examine our covenant faithfulness. In the New Testament, Paul speaks of the “circumcision of the heart” (Romans 2:29), brought about by the Spirit. True discipleship involves removing whatever hinders full devotion to God. Renewal often requires vulnerability, but God uses it to prepare us for victory.
The Passover celebration points us to Christ, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as Israel remembered God’s deliverance from Egypt, we remember our deliverance from sin through the cross. The shift from manna to the produce of the land reminds us that God’s provision changes with seasons. He sustains us in the wilderness and provides abundance in His promises. Learning to trust His provision in every stage is part of walking by faith.
Joshua’s encounter with the commander of the Lord’s army reorients our perspective. God is not a tribal deity who takes sides; He is the sovereign Lord of history. The question is not whether God is on our side but whether we are on His. True worship means submitting our agendas to Him and recognizing His holiness. Victory belongs to the Lord, and our role is to follow His lead with reverence and obedience.
What Can I Do?
Set aside time this week for spiritual renewal—repent of anything that hinders your devotion to God, and commit yourself afresh to following Him fully.
Celebrate God’s provision—write down ways He has sustained you in the past and thank Him for the new ways He is providing in your current season.
Ask Yourself
What “reproach of Egypt” might God be calling me to let go of so I can live fully in His promises?
How does the call to “circumcise the heart” challenge my current walk with God?
In what ways have I seen God’s provision shift in my life, and how can I trust Him in each season?
Am I more concerned with asking God to bless my plans, or with aligning myself to His purposes?
How does Joshua’s worship of the commander remind me to approach God’s presence with humility and reverence?
Guided Prayer
Thanksgiving: Thank God for bringing you out of bondage to sin and into the inheritance of life in Christ.
Intercession: Pray for believers who are in seasons of renewal or transition, asking that they remain faithful and strengthened by God’s Spirit.
Petition: Ask God to prepare your heart for the battles ahead, to strip away anything hindering your obedience, and to guide you into His purposes.
Confession: Confess any self-reliance, misplaced agendas, or lack of reverence for God’s holiness in your life.
Praise: Praise God as the commander of His armies, the One who leads His people, provides for them, and calls them to worship in holiness.
