Reproach of Egypt Removed Joshua 5

Joshua 5:9 "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 (a rolling) unto this day."

Circumcision was a sign given to Abraham. It represented his faith in the one true God. It was a sign to be observed by all Israel. In the wilderness the practice was not observed.

Verse 4 and 5 explains: "And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt that were males even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Now all the people that came out were circumcised, but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised."

This new commitment took place at Gilgal, a place just across the Jordan River near Jericho.

Like baptism in the Christian faith, circumcision was a sign of the faith that already existed in the heart. Abraham had faith before his physical commitment. Indeed it was his faith that counted for righteousness not a physical act. Romans 4 sorts it out. Romans 4:3 "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

v13 "For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

Remember the law was not yet given when Abraham received the promise.

So, the reproach of Egypt is gone off them since they have renewed their obedience to God. Baptism is the first act a Christian is commanded to do after salvation. It leaves a lingering guilt if a person does not obey the Savior in this first command.

Very important in this chapter is that Israel had their first passover in the new land after renewing their obedience to God. v10.

Another very important event took place as well. Israel stopped getting the manna from heaven. They now ate of the land of Canaan. Their first meal was of the "old corn". v11

A magnificent scene occurs in the last part of the chapter. The LORD himself appears to Joshua holding a sword. Joshua did not at first recognize him but asked this question:

v13 " ...Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?" Joshua is told to take off his shoe for he is standing on holy ground, just as Moses had been told back when he was first called to lead the people out of Egypt.

The LORD said: "...Nay, but as captain of the host of the LORD, am I now come."

See the Picture : ""...behold there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand..."

The LORD himself has come, not as a cloud or fire but as a warrior with sword ready to fight for Israel. Remember chapter 1 v9 "Have not I commanded the? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whitersoever thou goest."

"...As captain of the host of the LORD, am I now come."

A wonderful chapter filled with subjects that can be studied for weeks and months.

Psalms 124:8 "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth."

Bible study, Old Testament, Joshua, milton southerland, old old story, Gilgal